Watch CBS News

Broncos Center Lloyd Cushenberry Ready For Step Forward In Year Two

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (CBS4)- Second-year center Lloyd Cushenberry is among the Broncos primed for a big season in 2021. Cushenberry, who the Broncos selected in the 3rd round of the 2020 draft, played all 16 snaps as a rookie, but was not impressed by his own performance.

Lloyd Cushenberry III
(credit: CBS)

"In the offseason, I went straight to work. I knew last year wasn't good enough. I just went straight to work and put my head down all offseason and grinded," said Cushenberry who added 5-10 pounds to his frame this offseason.

Part of his rookie difficulties can be chalked up to the different off-season work the Broncos were forced to due because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Last season, I was still in Baton Rouge in my studio apartment trying to learn everything on my own. Having a whole offseason and full OTAs; it was good to get that rhythm upfront and get some snaps in. I feel great."

"Lloyd has definitely improved. Had a great offseason both physically and mentally, got stronger, studied the game, had the OTAs, the minicamp," said head coach Vic Fangio. "You always look for a big jump from Year 1 to Year 2. I think he's in the process of doing that."

Cushenberry credits a large part of his progress to the off-season work he did with fellow offensive lineman Graham Glasgow.

"The whole offseason he and I worked out together, and I felt like Lloyd got a lot stronger. He and I did a lot of position work together, and I feel like that helped him with some things," said Glasgow.

Graham Glasgow
(Credit: CBS)

"Outside of that, he has understood the (center) position a lot more, and how to be, I feel like, successful at center at the professional level. I think he's going to be a lot better this year and be really good."

"That was huge. We got after it, for sure. Just getting that bond with a guy that you play next to every snap while pushing each other every day, whether that's running or lifting," said Cushenberry.

"I feel like me personally, I got a lot stronger working out with him and trying to keep up with him."

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.