Jay Cutler is currently second in the AFC in Pro-Bowl voting among quarterbacks. A large reason for that success (no pun intended) has been the play of rookie left tackle Ryan Clady and first-year starter at right tackle, Ryan Harris.
Clady, the Broncos' first-round pick out of Boise State has been one of the better tackles in the NFL this season.
He holds the duty of protecting Cutler's blind side every week, and he does it better than nearly everyone in the NFL.
Through his first 10 games in the NFL, the star rookie has given up only one half of a sacks and has helped enable Jay Cutler to throw for the third most yardage in the league this season.
- B/R Ticket Guide
A behemoth, standing at 6'6", 325 pounds, Clady has had a "Joe Thomas"-like impact for the Broncos this season.
When long-time Bronco Matt Lepsis retired, it was expected that second-year pro Ryan Harris would maintain his duties in the left tackle slot. When Denver had the opportunity to draft the aforementioned Clady, it was decided that Harris would man the duties at right tackle.
The former third-round draft pick out of Notre Dame did not disappoint.
After struggling a bit in the preseason, Harris has become one of the more underrated tackles in the game today.
Like Clady, Harris has given up only one-half of a sack through his first 10 starts in the NFL.
A bit smaller than the rookie Clady, Ryan Harris stands 6'5", 300 pounds.
This success did not come easily for these two either.
They have faced some of the NFL's top pass rushers in John Abraham, Joey Porter, Will Smith, Tamba Hali, Derrick Burgess, Gaines Adams, Adailus Thomas, and Kamerion Wimbley.
Tennessee's Michael Roos is the only tackle in the league to have not allowed a sack, but the Broncos have thrown the ball 80 more times than the Titans.
The Broncos' future at the tackle position looks very bright, thanks to the production of these two stellar youngsters.
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about 1 month ago
Good article. I definitely think that Harris is a guy who doesn't get very much recognition, but has had a huge impact on the team this year. It's no surprise that the passing game has improved tenfold since last season, Jay is getting hit about three times a game and hurried maybe six...pretty solid.
from about 1 month ago
Thanks Henry. I think both Ryans are worthy of the Pro-Bowl, although since the fans vote nobody probably knows who they are. I am trying my best to get their names out there. They have shut down some very good pass rushers this season.
about 1 month ago
Yeah, I am working on a piece about Casey Wiegmann, another guy that people probably don't know too well, but still a big part of the line.
from about 1 month ago
Good let me know when you are finished with it.
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