See where Luke Wattenberg ranks among NFL’s best centers (per PFF)

The Denver Broncos have assembled one of the league's premier offensive lines, with center Luke Wattenberg playing a crucial role. Once a fifth-round pick from Washington in 2022, Wattenberg has risen to become the team's starting center and is likely to maintain that position in the foreseeable future.

Following the departure of Lloyd Cushenberry via free agency in 2023, the Broncos rewarded Wattenberg with a four-year contract extension worth $12 million per year in November of the same year. This extension signaled the team's intent to retain Wattenberg for the foreseeable future, avoiding another change at the position.

According to Mason Cameron from Pro Football Focus (PFF), Wattenberg is ranked as the 10th-best center in the NFL. His ranking is largely attributed to his exceptional performance in both pass protection and run-blocking during the 2024 and 2025 seasons. This past season, Wattenberg achieved a 70.0-plus grade in both categories for the first time in his career, placing him among the elite group of players who have accomplished this feat.

While Broncos fans might hope to see their center ranked higher, a No. 10 ranking is a significant achievement and highlights the growth and development of a player who was once considered a backup. Wattenberg's progression has been remarkable, and he has now solidified his status as the starting center at one of the most critical positions on the field.