Summary

Quinn Meinerz was selected in Round 3 (#98 Overall) of the 2021 NFL Draft out of University of Wisconsin–Whitewater (Division III). A dominant small-school interior lineman, Meinerz burst onto the national stage with a standout performance at the 2021 Senior Bowl, where he consistently overwhelmed Power Five defenders and showcased NFL-caliber strength and technique. In college, he started 31 games, earned First-Team All-WIAC honors, and established himself as one of the most physically imposing interior linemen in his class. In the NFL, Meinerz has developed into a full-time starting guard and one of the anchors of Denver’s offensive line. Through the 2024 season, he has started 40+ NFL games, earning a reputation as a tone-setting run blocker and reliable pass protector. Meinerz has received Pro Bowl consideration and league-wide praise for his physicality and consistency, and is widely regarded as a high-character, tough, and team-first professional. Coaches and teammates consistently cite his work ethic, humility, competitive edge, and swagger as defining traits.

Strengths

• Elite Play Strength: Overwhelms defenders at the point of attack. Extremely difficult to bull rush.

• Rhinoceros: Dominant run blocker who displaces defenders in gap and inside-zone schemes. Sustains blocks through the echo of the whistle with a finisher’s mentality.

• Hand Power: Heavy, violent punch stuns interior defenders. Improved recognition and hand placement year over year with NFL coaching.

• Wicked Athleticism: Naturally low pad level and excellent balance due to elite athleticism (24.80 Athletic Score).

Weaknesses

• Susceptible to Savvy: Can be stressed and lulled to sleep against experienced interior penetrator with a large quiver of pass rush moves.

• Timed Agility vs. Game Agility: Internal battle between approaching situations with power or revert to muscle memory mirroring can get him stuck in neutral.

• Penalty Risk: Aggressive style can lead to holding calls.

Outlook

Quinn Meinerz is an ideal fit for Denver’s physical, downhill offensive identity, particularly in schemes that emphasize gap, duo, and inside-zone concepts. He thrives as a right or left guard who sets the tone in the run game while providing a firm interior pocket for the quarterback. Meinerz’s presence allows Denver to impose its will physically and protects against interior collapse without frequent help. Looking ahead, Meinerz projects as total package player and perennial Pro Bowler with very few weaknesses in his game. His strength, leverage, and toughness provide a high floor and sustained effectiveness. For Denver, Meinerz represents a cornerstone interior lineman whose physical style and mentality embody the team’s offensive identity and contribute directly to consistency and success.