National Football League

Broncos acquire center Gradkowski from Ravens

Published Apr. 1, 2015 4:58 p.m. ET

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ENGLEWOOD, Colo. (AP) The Denver Broncos continued addressing their needs along the offensive line by acquiring fourth-year center Gino Gradkowski from the Baltimore Ravens for 2016 draft considerations.

Gradkowski started every game in Baltimore in 2013 but only saw action in eight games last year after the Ravens obtained Jeremy Zuttah from the Buccaneers.

The 6-foot-3, 300-pounder appeared in every game during Baltimore's Super Bowl run his rookie season. Overall, he played in 40 regular season games and six playoff games with the Ravens, who selected him in the fourth round out of Delaware in the 2012 draft.

Manny Ramirez started at center for Denver in 2014 but was supplanted by Will Montgomery in a three-man shuffle at midseason. Montgomery, who is an unrestricted free agent, helped settle Denver's ground game. Routinely pulling on running plays, he helped spring C.J. Anderson over the final two months.

General manager John Elway promised quarterback Peyton Manning he'd fix his porous O-line this offseason. He acquired free agent Shelly Smith after Orlando Franklin signed with San Diego. Smith will compete with Ben Garland at left guard while Louis Vasquez moves back to right guard after finishing the season at right tackle.

Denver also is expected to focus on the O-line in the draft, particularly tackle.

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