Broncos Rookie C Alex Forsyth: 'Chip on My Shoulder' After Draft Slide

Peruse any of Alex Forsyth's pre-draft scouting reports, and the projections varied. Some had the former Oregon offensive lineman as high as a third-round talent, while others landed on a Round 4 or 5 designation.

But few anticipated a tumble to pick No. 257 overall, two spots behind Mr. Irrelevant, where the Denver Broncos finally ended his free-fall — not the least of which was Forsyth himself.

“I knew it was out of my control," he told reporters amid rookie minicamp earlier this month. "It was going to be what it was going to be. And a lot of guys going before me just put a chip on my shoulder, but I’m in the right place and I’m really excited to be here. I couldn’t be more excited.”

A three-year starter for the Ducks, Forsyth ended his collegiate career with honors, earning first-team All-Pac-12 honors in 2022 and grading out as Pro Football Focus' second-best pass-blocking center. At 6-foot-4, 303 pounds, he's an intelligent and technical lineman who wins with model consistency.

Forsyth, however, battled injuries during his time in Eugene and lacks the top-end power and balance demanded at the NFL level. Such explains why 31 other teams were reticent to turn in his card.

Their loss ultimately was Denver's gain as the team needed insurance behind presumed starting pivot Lloyd Cushenberry. Forsyth also brings versatility — the ability to play center, guard, or tackle — which could be his greatest asset.

“Yeah, definitely," he said. "I think my coaches in college early on, they really pushed me to play right tackle through left tackle pretty much. Wherever I could be of service. It was something that definitely helped elevate my game, the understanding of the offensive line and the offense. What we’re trying to do. So for me, that was really—it ended up, it was kind of frustrating at first. It’s hard to master all those positions. But then, once you start to figure it out, you start to appreciate it a lot more. So I appreciate my coaches doing that now, where I’m at. Just kind of having a better understanding of offensive schemes and stuff like that.”

Under the tutelage of Broncos position coach Zach Strief, in an OL-friendly Sean Payton system, Forsyth may turn out among the draft's biggest steals, someone who had no business toiling until the end of Day 3.

And that determination may come sooner rather than later.

"[He is] just tough and smart. [We just] love the way he plays the game," general manager George Paton said in his post-draft press conference.