NFLLong time, no read! For those who don’t remember, I’m Keith Richards. I write for Nuts and Bolts Sports for all thoughts Denver sports, and I’m an addict. So there is no confusion, I should add that I’m a sports addict. Like all sports addicts, these dog days of COVID-19 have not been kind. Still, we push on here at NBS, and there is still work to do. Today, that work includes the 2020 Denver Broncos Draft Profile. Because I’ve been itching to write anything about sports, let’s get right to it!
2019-2020 Season Review
The Broncos finished last season at 7-9. I stated on the Full Monte Show that the Broncos would go 9-7. So, I was not that far off. It was an interesting season for Denver, but they finished on a high note. For once, it seems the Broncos have the answer at quarterback in Drew Lock. Lock played five games, threw for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.
More importantly, opponents only sacked Drew five times, which equals one sack per game. Joe Flacco helped the defense 26 times for negative yards. That equals 3.25 sacks per game. Sacks are drive killers. The mobility of Drew is going to be a plus moving forward. For once, Denver will not need to spend a high round draft pick at quarterback, which is tremendous!
After a slow start, Phillip Lindsay finished the season with 1,011 rushing yards on 4.5 yards per rush. Also, he caught 35 passes for 196 yards. In Lindsay’s 269 total touches, he did not record a single fumble. Already, Denver got a significant boost on offense with the acquisition of Melvin Gordon. It immediately makes them one of the deepest backfields in the league.
At wide receiver, the Broncos suffered a significant loss when they traded away Emmanuel Sanders. However, all hope is not lost. Courtland Sutton had a breakout year with 72 catches, 1,112 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. Additionally, Noah Fant showed he is ready for a more significant role with 40 catches, 562 yards, and three touchdowns.
Finally, Denver’s defense lost Chris Harris, Jr. in the offseason. Harris was a massive piece of the defense. As the last member of the No-Fly Zone, the departure of Chris marks a new era for the Broncos defense. There are some holes to fill, but Simmons and Jackson both played very well. All in all, the Broncos are set up well to be able to compete next season. Now, I’ll discuss their needs to see how they can accomplish a successful season.
Broncos 2020 Needs
First and foremost, Denver’s most substantial draft profile need is a wide receiver to replace Emmanuel Sanders. Sutton is ready to be the guy, but he will need a sidekick. As stated earlier, Denver does not require anyone at running back or quarterback. They’re looking pretty good at tight end as well. The most considerable need for the Broncos’ offense will be the line.
On defense, Denver needs to replace Harris at corner, which is arguably their most substantial defensive need. Also, the Broncos lost Derek Wolfe but resigned Shelby Harris to fill that hole immediately. Todd Davis has two years left on his contract at ILB, but the Broncos still need help there.
So, in conclusion, wide receiver, offensive line, cornerback, and inside linebacker are the critical positions that Denver needs to fill. Currently, Denver has 11 picks in the 2020 draft, which leaves a lot of room in the draft profile to make the necessary picks.
2020 Draft Profile
In the first and second rounds, the Broncos pick 15th and 46th, respectively. Their money time, however, is the third round, where the Broncos have picks 77, 83, and 95. Now, it would be reasonable to think that Denver could use some of its picks to lure other players away in trades. Conversely, they could also trade higher picks to stockpile picks in the later rounds. For now, I will assume a straight draft profile with no trades.
The two most significant needs for the Broncos are cornerback and wide receiver. In a wide receiver rich draft, Denver should aim for a cornerback with their first-round pick. The player likely available at this spot is CJ Henderson from the Florida Gators. The draft profile for Henderson is outstanding. ESPN has him as the 2nd best corner in the draft. As measurables go, CJ has them all.
At 6’1” and 240, Henderson has the size to compete against the larger receivers. CJ is not the fastest, but he will be hard to run past with a 4.39 40 speed. The 37.5” vertical jump will help him with the 50-50 balls. If available, it would be hard to imagine the Broncos not taking CJ Henderson. In the second round, Denver needs to shift its focus to wide receiver. There are two possibilities here: Michael Pittman, Jr. of USC, and Jalen Reagor of TCU.
The better choice of the two is Reagor. Pittman, Jr. is almost a copy of Sutton. Reagor, by contrast, fills the hole Emmanuel Sanders left. Lance Zierlein of the NFL analyst team lists some of Jalen’s strengths in his draft profile as precisely what the Broncos need. Reagor is “fluid but explosive,” he “works all three levels, including gadget plays,” and provides a “creative return option with home-run potential.” Jalen would be a valuable addition to the team.
Now, Denver’s focus shifts to the offensive line. Assuming trades, overreaches, and general draft mayhem, I would expect the player available would be Prince Tega Wanogho of Auburn. Wanogho is a former basketball star with a lean profile. His short arms are an issue, but he has quick hands and agile feet. Prince Tega will need some work, but the ceiling of his raw potential is very high.
The last significant need is inside linebacker. The Broncos pick 83rd for their second third-round pick. At some point, Denver will need to take a chance on a player. That player is Akeem Davis-Gaither of Appalachian State. Akeem’s natural position is OLB, but his instincts in the run game could make him a great ILB. Davis-Gaither does not have the size and strength to take on the likes of Derrick Henry or Leonard Fournette. However, his playmaking ability and knack for slipping blocks makes him attractive.
From there, Denver has the picks to either accumulate talent or trade for it. Given the history of Elway, it’s hard to say what he will do, but the Broncos will be successful if they draft the players above. We shall see what they do. Be sure to check out all the fantastic draft here with NBS, including live coverage of the first round of the draft.
