Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos

For offensive linemen in the NFL, snaps are a measure of trust—every time a player steps onto the field, it’s a sign the coaching staff believes they can protect the quarterback, open holes for runners, and hold their own against some of the league’s most fearsome defenders. For Graham Wattenberg, the Denver Broncos’ starting left guard since 2023, every snap has been a chapter in a story of consistency, growth, and resilience. Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos isn’t just a tally of reps; it’s a chronicle of how a late-round draft pick evolved into a cornerstone of the Broncos’ offensive line, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans with his grit and reliability. From his first preseason snap to his 1,000th regular-season snap, Wattenberg’s journey is a reminder of how vital offensive linemen are to a team’s success—even when their contributions fly under the radar.

Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos began with a quiet debut in the 2023 preseason, when the then-rookie sixth-round pick out of Michigan got his first taste of NFL action against the Arizona Cardinals. Wattenberg played 42 snaps that game—all at right guard—showcasing the technical skills that had caught the Broncos’ eye during the draft process: quick footwork to block edge rushers, strong hand placement to shed defenders, and a high football IQ to adjust to blitzes. Though the Broncos lost that game 21–14, Wattenberg’s performance stood out: he didn’t allow a single sack or pressure, and he helped clear the way for running back Javonte Williams to rush for 65 yards. “Graham came in and played like a veteran that night,” Broncos offensive line coach Butch Barry said after the game. “He didn’t look overwhelmed—he looked ready. That’s rare for a sixth-round rookie.” Those 42 preseason snaps were enough to earn Wattenberg a spot on the 53-man roster, and by Week 6 of the 2023 regular season, he was rotating in at left guard, playing 15–20 snaps per game as a backup.

Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos took a significant leap in 2024, when he won the starting left guard job in training camp and never looked back. That season, Wattenberg played 98% of the Broncos’ offensive snaps—1,127 total—missing only 23 snaps due to a minor ankle sprain in Week 10. What made his snap count so impressive was his consistency: he allowed just 2 sacks and 8 pressures all season, ranking among the top 10 guards in the NFL in pass-block win rate (89%). One of his most memorable stretches came in Weeks 12–14, when the Broncos faced three consecutive top-5 defensive lines (Kansas City, Buffalo, Baltimore). Over those three games, Wattenberg played all 189 snaps, not allowing a single pressure and helping the Broncos rush for over 150 yards in each contest. “Graham was our rock that month,” quarterback Russell Wilson said. “When you’re facing guys like Chris Jones and Von Miller, you need your linemen to be perfect—and Graham was. Every snap, he was in the right place, making the right block. That’s why we could move the ball.”

Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos also includes key moments in high-pressure situations—snaps that don’t show up in the box score but change the outcome of games. In the 2024 Week 17 game against the Las Vegas Raiders, with the Broncos trailing 24–21 and driving for a potential game-winning touchdown, Wattenberg played all 12 snaps of the final drive. On third-and-5 from the Raiders’ 10-yard line, he faced off against Raiders defensive tackle Maxx Crosby—a Pro Bowler with 14 sacks that season—and blocked him perfectly, creating a lane for Williams to rush for 6 yards and a first down. Two plays later, Williams scored the game-winning touchdown, and Wattenberg’s block was the unsung hero. “That third-and-5 snap was make-or-break,” Barry said. “Crosby is one of the best pass rushers in the league, but Graham didn’t just block him—he neutralized him. That’s the kind of snap that wins games.” The Denver Broncos finished the 2024 season 10–7, making the playoffs, and Wattenberg’s 1,127 snaps were a big reason why the offense ranked 12th in the NFL in total yards.

Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos in 2025 has continued his streak of reliability, as he enters the season as the longest-tenured starter on the offensive line. Through the first 12 weeks, Wattenberg has played all 864 offensive snaps, extending his streak of consecutive snaps played to 1,971 (dating back to Week 11 of 2024). He’s also expanded his role, occasionally shifting to center in short-yardage situations to provide extra strength in the middle. In Week 8 against the Cleveland Browns, Wattenberg played 10 snaps at center—his first time playing the position in the NFL—and helped the Broncos convert 4 of 5 third-and-1 plays. “Graham’s versatility is a huge asset,” head coach Sean Payton said. “He can play guard, he can play center, and he’s good at both. That flexibility lets us adjust our line without missing a beat.” The Denver Broncos’ offense has flourished with Wattenberg in the lineup, ranking 8th in the NFL in rushing yards and 10th in points scored, and his snaps have become a constant in a unit that’s seen other positions shuffle due to injury.

Every Snap Played by Wattenberg for the Denver Broncos is more than just a number—it’s a legacy in the making. For a player who was drafted in the sixth round with little fanfare, Wattenberg has turned himself into one of the most reliable offensive linemen in the AFC, earning the nickname “The Wall” from teammates for his ability to stop defenders in their tracks. As he approaches 3,000 career snaps (a milestone he’ll likely reach in 2026), Wattenberg remains focused on the only thing that matters: showing up for every snap, every game, every season. “I don’t care about the snap count or the stats,” Wattenberg said in a 2025 interview. “I care about winning. Every snap, I’m out there to help this team win—whether that’s blocking a defender, picking up a blitz, or just doing my job so Russell and Javonte can make plays. That’s what being a Bronco is all about.” For the Denver Broncos, Wattenberg’s snaps are a reminder of the value of drafting smart, developing players, and trusting in consistency. In a league where offensive linemen are often overlooked, Wattenberg has made every snap count—for himself, for his team, and for the fans who cheer him on every Sunday.