McGovern’s versatility gains Broncos coaches’ attention

Ability to play guard, tackle, center, maybe even tight end enhances his value

New to Connor McGovern’s garage is a recently restored 1969 Ford Mustang Mach 1, with a 428 Cobra jet engine, orange finish, a black scoop and stripe, and black wheels.

McGovern likes remakes. He and his father turned a 48-foot Mack truck into a tailgaiting dream, and put their shine on old cars and trucks and motorcycles back home in North Dakota.

But as an NFL offensive lineman, time is limited for restorations, so McGovern employed Classic Mustangs in Castle Rock to do this job.

McGovern had his own remake to focus on.

Since the Broncos’ coaching overhaul in January, McGovern has morphed into a professional do-it-all lineman after playing both guard and tackle during his college career at Missouri.

When Broncos starting center Matt Paradis was recovering from two hip surgeries, McGovern temporarily took over and started as the line’s anchor throughout training camp and in three of the four preseason games.

He has played both right guard and left, could still dabble at tackle if asked to and, should the Broncos have their way in the future, McGovern could see time in jumbo tight end formations.

“It’s rare to find guys that first off are able to fill the role at different spots, are able to understand what to do at different spots,” Broncos offensive line coach Jeff Davidson said. “It is a difficult thing to understand, and he’s a guy who’s taken it all in. He’s done everything the way that we’ve asked. I’m very happy with his progress.”

When the Broncos selected McGovern in the fifth round of the 2016 draft, they knew they landed a weight-room fanatic — he set a Missouri record in the squat with five reps of 690 pounds — and versatility coveted among linemen.

The transition to the pros is challenging for most rookies but can be especially so for those on the line.

In 2016, McGovern spent the full year on the active roster but never saw the field during the regular season.

With the coach and scheme change in January, McGovern’s opportunities expanded as the Broncos shifted to a varied system more suited to his powerful build.

“Everything is a lot more downhill, so my strength helps me more,” McGovern said. “Last year it was a lot more outside zone, kind of stretching it. This year it’s more downhill. That strength helps.”

In offensive coordinator Mike McCoy’s system, the line has used a mix of zone and power blocking, requiring the linemen to know more and be able to do more.

“We try to mix a little bit of everything in there,” Davidson said. “We put more on their shoulders, and there’s more that they have to be able to understand in the different angles and approaches we’re taking to defenses.”

Early in the offseason and training camp, it became apparent the Broncos had a broader plan for McGovern that isn’t limited to one or even two positions.

Versatility, as Davidson and coach Vance Joseph and general manager John Elway all preached in January, is sought and required at multiple positions.

But as the Broncos’ revamped offensive line continues to progress, McGovern’s role continues to expand. Monday against the Los Angeles Chargers, McGovern played his first 33 snaps of regular-season action.

“He played tough and physical (Monday) night. He made some errors, but that’s part of it,” Joseph said. “With young guys, they’re going to make mistakes early. I thought his effort was right. As he plays more football for us, he’s going to get better.”

Sunday, he could see even more time, depending on the health of starting right guard Ron Leary, who suffered a concussion in the season opener. His game status remains uncertain.

McGovern is one of multiple options the Broncos are considering should Leary be unable to start.

Then again, McGovern has become an option for many spots. For him, transforming and remaking is a way of life.