Denver Broncos roster review: Offensive lineman Ben Powers

DENVER, COLORADO - JANUARY 17: Ben Powers #74 of the Denver Broncos looks on from the field during an NFL divisional playoff football game against the Buffalo Bills at Empower Field at Mile High on January 17, 2026 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Perry Knotts/Getty Images) | Getty Images

Over the past several seasons, the Denver Broncos have boasted one of the best offensive lines in the National Football League. Unfortunately, last season the team had several injuries along the front over the course of the season. Onoe of those was losing left guard Ben Powers to a torn bicep in Week 5.

Powers signed a four-year $52 million dollar deal with $27 million in guarantees during the free agency period in March of 2023. Prior to that, he played four years for the Baltimore Ravens. In his first two seasons with the Broncos, he was a seventeen-game starter.

His injury relegated the former Oklahoma standout to just eight games with six starts. Alex Palcewzski, a former undrafted free agent, took over for him while he was recovering on the injured reserve list. This year, Powers is slated to be the starter once again at left guard for the Broncos. However, his future with the team is uncertain beyond the 2026 season.

Important names to know heading into 2026: some of the bigger names with a contract on the line for the Broncos.

Ben Powers
Evan Engram
Jarrett Stidham
Brandon Jones
Marvin Mims Jr.
Riley Moss
Drew Sanders
Ja'Quan McMillian

- Rachel Vigil (@heyrachelvigil) May 4, 2026

Player Profile

Age:29 |Experience:Eighth Year |College:Oklahoma | Height:6'4" |Weight:310 pounds

Arm Length: 33-3/4" | Hand Size: 9-7/8" | Broad: 8'1" | Vertical:29" | Bench: 24 reps

40-yard dash:N/A | Shuttle: 4.83 seconds | 3-Cone: N/A

Ben Powers' 2026 outlook with the Broncos

The 2026 season is the last of Powers' contact with the Broncos. Carrying a cap hit slightly over $18 million, he is one of the highest-paid players on the team. With a recent extension to Palczewski and drafting versatile Boise State offensive lineman Cage Kasey in the fourth round of this year's draft, it's safe to assume this will likely be Powers' last season with the Broncos.

Considering he was injured for most of last season, it's hard to evaluate his play in 2025. However, in 2024, Powers was the top interior offensive lineman when it came to run block win rate. The year prior, he ranked seventh in the NFL in that respect. During his time in Denver, Powers has allowed nine quarterback sacks. The highest amount was seven during the 23 season, with just one sack surrendered the past two years respectively.

Overall, I think Powers has been an average guard for the Broncos. I thought there was a slight chance the team may have moved on from him this offseason. Instead, they opted for continuity in their trenches instead of saving salary cap space.

Final Thoughts

Powers is slated to be the Broncos' opening game starter in 2026. Though if he has any injury issues or struggles during the season, Broncos Country will certainly see Palczewski plugged in at left guard again. I'm optimistic that Powers can come back and put together a strong season. They will need him and the rest of the offensive line to perform well in order to attempt another Super Bowl run.