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On Guard: Broncos left guard Ron Leary prepares to implement physical style

Posted at 1:20 PM, May 09, 2017
and last updated 2017-05-09 18:55:25-04

CENTENNIAL, Colo. -- Ronald Leary should come equipped with a grill and mudflaps. 

He looks like he could truck over a defender and use the goal post for dental floss. When examining why the Broncos expect to be more physical this season, it starts with Leary. He brings back-alley, sleeves-rolled up toughness.

"We are trying to get that mentality that we don't take anything from anybody," Leary said.

Leary is a brute. He continues to work at left guard with third-year pro Max Garcia starting at right guard. Garcia echoed Leary's sentiments on the offensive line's goal to "take crap from nobody and run things." Leary has an edge. He started last season in Dallas where the Cowboys dominated the line of scrimmage, imposing their will. Dallas coach Jason Garrett told Denver7 Leary brought a workmanlike approach to his craft. He was predictable, ready and rugged.

He will be counted on to help the Broncos' improve dramatically upfront.

"I think the O-line plays a big part in a successful running game," Leary said, knowing new Broncos coach Vance Joseph wants to revive an attack that averaged 92.8 yards, ranking 27th in the NFL last season. "I love this group. They want as much knowledge as I can give them. And I want knowledge from them."

Signing players with a similar mindset provides step one to change. It will not work, however, without consistency of approach in coaching. In new line boss Jeff Davidson, the Broncos are implementing man-on-man schemes with less emphasis on zone blocking. Davidson brings a reputation for developing players.

"He treats us like grown men. He's a technician," Leary said. "That's going to help us and make us more responsible."

Fair or not, the line will be viewed, in large part, through the left tackle position. The Broncos have been seeking a solution since Ryan Clady manned the spot. In first round pick Garett Bolles, they hope the solution has arrived. During the NFL combine, Bolles distinguished himself with his attitude, his desire to be a "nasty (expletive), and drive my opponent into the dirt," as he so eloquently stated. Leary spoke with Bolles recently and came away impressed with his approach.

"I mentioned a play to him and he already knew it. That's a good sign that he's already in his playbook," Leary said. "He's a grown man (at 24 years old). He's ready to come in here and work."

Footnotes

Trevor Siemian arranged a team outing to the Rockies game on Monday. Siemian takes his responsibility as a quarterback seriously, and the former Northwestern standout is also a Chicago Cubs fan.

Center Matt Paradis remains unable to work out as he recovers form surgeries on both hips. But he's preparing. "He is always studying the playbook," Garcia said of Paradis, who was a Pro Bowl alternate last season.

The Broncos could feature at least three new starters on the offensive line: Leary at left guard, Menelik Watson at right tackle and Bolles at left tackle.

Garcia on what the Broncos' motto of Truth, painted in the main meeting room, means to him: "It's about looking yourself in the mirror. What do you see? Are you really pushing yourself when nobody is watching? Are you doing that last rep in the weight room? Are you being accountable? At the end of the day, you can't fake it."           


Want Broncos news? Denver7 Broncos insider Troy E. Renck is your source. He talks to the players, covers the games and reports scoops on Denver7 and the Denver7 app. He is a CU grad who has covered pro sports in Colorado since 1996, including 14 years at The Denver Post. Follow him on Facebook, Twitter and TheDenverChannel.com’s Broncos page. Troy welcomes most of your emails at Troy.Renck@kmgh.com.