The Broncos draft plans could potentially undergo a massive change after the scouting combine this week, based on its results.
Who do the experts from around the sports media landscape have Denver taking before this pivotal weekend? Let’s take a look.
Matt Miller, Bleacher Report: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma
“The Denver Broncos believe they have their quarterback (Drew Lock), a stud young receiver (Courtland Sutton) and the makings of a better offensive line. Now they need to add more pieces to the offense to compete with the Chiefs, Chargers and Raiders.”
As the draft process wears on, the more likely it becomes that CeeDee Lamb will be the best receiver on the board when the Broncos are picking. If Henry Ruggs performs the way he’s expected to at the combine, he could easily leapfrog Lamb on some draft boards and Jerry Jeudy’s already the top dog on most boards.
That’s not bad news for the Broncos, who could use a player of Lamb’s caliber on the outside, even if he isn’t the ideal fit. Considering the abundance of size and jump-ball ability with Noah Fant and Courtland Sutton, you’d think the Broncos would prefer to add a speed receiver, but Lamb compensates for his lack of speed with the best run after catch ability in the entire class.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: Josh Jones, OT, Houston
“It’s probably time to end the Garett Bolles era at left tackle in Denver; the 2017 first-round pick led the league in holding penalties in each of the past three seasons, and he hasn’t gotten better. Jones, a four-year starter for the Cougars, is rising after dominating at Senior Bowl practices. He has the potential to be an All-Pro left tackle. The Broncos also have needs in the secondary and could lose a couple starters along the defensive line to free agency.”
Drafting Josh Jones should be one of the least desirable outcomes for Broncos fans.
Jones is this year’s fifth-best tackle prospect and there’s a considerable gap in talent between him and the top four. There’s also a lot of difference in ability between Jones and other players the Broncos will consider like the top three receivers and Javon Kinlaw.
Kiper’s mock also has the Broncos passing on speedster Henry Ruggs III and offensive tackle Andrew Thomas, both of whom are far better prospects than Jones at positions of need.
Bucky Brooks, NFL Network: C.J. Henderson, CB, Florida
“The likely departure of Chris Harris Jr. makes the cornerback position a top priority. Henderson is an aggressive cover corner with size, speed and athleticism to blanket top receivers with ease.”
This year’s draft has fewer polarizing players than most classes, and Florida’s C.J. Henderson is chief among them.
Some will fall in love with his twitchy speed, physicality and sheer athleticism. Others will be scared off by how raw he is, how poorly Florida corners have performed in the NFL in recent years and his slight frame.
Cornerback is such a pressing need for the Broncos though, Henderson could be worth the pick at 15 given his upside.
Nicki Jhabvala, The Athletic: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
“Drew Lock needs more weapons on offense and Jeudy is too good to pass up here. His combination of quickness, speed and route-running could bolster the offense, and give the Broncos an intimidating trio of pass catchers with receiver Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant.”
This is the Broncos’ dream pick and it’s not entirely out of the realm of possibility.
While Jeudy is the best receiver in this class, he could fall to 15 without too much help. Ruggs should continue to climb up the board as we get closer to the draft because these pre-draft activities highlight athleticism over anything.
Lamb is also so talented, there are probably a handful of teams that believe he’s the best receiver in the draft and would take him ahead of Jeudy.
Consider on top of those two receivers, that you have at least three quarterbacks, three defensive linemen, three offensive linemen, a linebacker and a cornerback that are locks to go in the top 14 picks, leaving just one free space.
If Lamb and Ruggs are the top two receivers, that free space could go to Jeudy, making him unavailable to Denver, or it could go to another quarterback (Jordan Love), offensive tackle (Andrew Thomas), or edge rusher (K’Lavon Chaisson), all of which are more important positions.
Today, the receivers take the field in Indianapolis for their on-field workouts, speed tests and route-running. It takes place from 2-9 p.m. MT on NFL Network.
