The Broncos made their intentions clear from the outset.
Denver’s draft centered around providing more weapons and even some protection for quarterback Drew Lock. The Broncos came into the 2020 NFL Draft with needs at wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback, linebacker and safety. By adding two extra picks via trade and three compensatory picks, they added some really good weapons, filled some holes and got good value late.
Denver's 2020 draft picks:
- No. 15: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
- No. 46: K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
- No. 77: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
- No. 83: Lloyd Cushenberry III, IOL, LSU
- No. 95: McTelvin Agim, IDL, Arkansas
- No. 118: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
- No. 178: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
- No. 181: Netane Muti, IOL, Fresno State
- No. 252: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
- No. 254: Derrek Tuszka, EDGE, North Dakota State
Best Pick: Jerry Jeudy
Denver plays in the AFC West with the reigning Super Bowl champions and arguably the most explosive offense in the NFL. If teams cannot stop them, the next best option is to try to outscore them. Jeudy will help the Broncos do that.
He is the most complete receiver in the 2020 class. Jeudy’s ability to win against man coverage at the pro level should be taught at coaching clinics across the country. He will eventually command double teams and subsequently free up Denver’s running game.
Biggest Surprise: Addressing nearly every need
The Broncos had an overabundance of needs entering the draft. With the exception of safety, they were all addressed with quality players. Denver had arguably the best weekend in terms of overall value.
Day 3 Sleeper: Derrek Tuszka
Tuszka was a highly productive player at the FCS level. He was a starter for North Dakota State, which won three consecutive national championships. Tuszka isn’t the most athletic, but he’s a blue-collar, tough player who will give the Broncos everything he has.
He should be an asset and an immediate contributor as a core special team player. Tuszka has the chance to contribute as on the edge in sub-packages by Year 2. He has the skill set to make the 53-player roster as a rookie.
X-Factor: Developing Drew Lock in Year 2
The Broncos are prioritizing Locks’ development. They got better up front by drafting a top-three center in Cushenberry as well as Muti, who would have likely been a Day 2 pick if it weren’t for injuries. Denver got a good supporting cast in Jeudy and Hamler. The Broncos are locked, loaded and ready for a shoot out with the Chiefs.
Summary
General manager John Elway and his staff put together a tremendous class. A quarterbacks’ best friends are running backs and tight ends. The Broncos added Melvin Gordon during free agency to give them a 1-2 punch with incumbent Phillip Lindsay. They have a stable of TEs after signing Nick Vannett in free agency, drafting Albert Okwuegbunam and Noah Fant in 2019 and still having Jake Butt on the roster. Denver is quietly assembling a roster that will make it fun to watch an AFC West divisional game.
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