Elijah Wilkinson will be a do-it-all backup swing offensive lineman for the Denver Broncos this season. Judging from the team’s depth chart, it looks like Wilkinson will serve as a backup to four positions.
If left tackle Garett Bolles goes down, Wilkinson would be his replacement.
And left guard Dalton Risner? Wilkinson.
Right guard Ron Leary? Wilkinson.
Right tackle Ja’Wuan James? Wilkinson is backing him up, too.
The only starting offensive lineman Wilkinson is not backing up is center Connor McGovern. Those duties belong to Corey Levin.
“I think Elijah has a great deal of talent,” offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello said Friday. “I just think he’s tough and he’s physical. I think the experience last year at the end of the season playing some guard helped him grow as a player, probably gave him some confidence, but I think he is naturally a tackle. I think he’s a very good tackle that’s just continuing to grow as a player and scratching the surface.”
Wilkinson (6-6, 329 pounds) dressed for 12 games last year and started in seven contests, making most of his appearances at guard.
“I like all his physicality, his ability, his intelligence and his instincts to play the position, but I think he also has enough mental awareness at a young age and definitely the physical traits that if he has to bump inside, he can be very effective,” Scangarello said.
Wilkinson might be the team’s most important backup this season.
