Denver Broncos NFL Draft Picks 2020: Round-by-Round Results, Grades
Despite the Broncos' struggles last season, the franchise was encouraged by rookie quarterback Drew Lock's five starts.
Denver will look to improve upon its 7–9 record and build the roster around Lock in 2020. Expect general manager John Elway to draft some targets for Lock and possibly a second tight end to challenge free-agent pickup Nick Vannett, according to The MMQB's AFC West team needs. Alabama's Jerry Jeudy or LSU's Justin Jefferson would complement Denver's roster, and the team could pick up Oklahoma's CeeDee Lamb or Alabama's Henry Ruggs III if they're available.
Last year, the Broncos added talent all over the field by drafting first- and second-round picks TE Noah Fant, OL Dalton Risner and Lock. The team also selected DE Dre'Mont Jones, LB Justin Hollins and WR Juwann Winfree in later rounds.
The Broncos are set to pick No. 15 in this year's first round. You can follow along with Mile High Huddle's draft live blog.
A full list of Denver's picks will be updated below as the draft progresses.
Round 1, Pick 15 (No. 15 overall): Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Analysis from Andy Benoit: The Broncos have a budding star in “X” receiver Courtland Sutton, who can consistently win one-on-one downfield on the perimeter and hurt teams with in-breaking routes. But for their optimism in 2018 second-round quarterback Drew Lock to be fully realized, they needed a “Z” receiver—that guy who can go in motion, run every route at every level and contribute via yards-after-catch. Some feel that Jeudy is the best route runner coming out of college in this era. The Broncos addressed a glaring need with a stylistically perfect prospect, and they didn’t have to trade up to do it. Grade: A+
Round 2, No. 46 overall: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State
Andy Benoit's analysis: The Broncos entered the draft with a prototypical “X” receiver in big-bodied perimeter weapon Courtland Sutton. In Round 1 they found a prototypical movement “Z” in the highly refined Jerry Jeudy. And now in Round 2 they’ve added a prototypical super-shifty slot receiver in Hamler. It won’t be hard to predict where Denver’s wide receivers will line up on any given play, but it will be hard to stop them. Grade: A-
Round 3, No. 77 overall: Michael Ojemudia, CB, Iowa
Andy Benoit's analysis: Denver’s No. 2 corner position was a revolving door all season last year; it’s possible Ojemudia was selected to be a potential starter sometime in the near future. One thing about Vic Fangio’s scheme: with all of its blurry two-deep safety looks, it does a lot to help and hide cornerbacks. Grade: B
Round 3, No. 83 overall: Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
Andy Benoit's analysis: Drew Lock must be doing cartwheels. First the Broncos get him two sharply defined wide receivers in Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, then they find a man to snap him the ball and protect him up the middle. They did, however, sign ex-Lion Graham Glasgow in free agency, so it’s possible they see Cushenberry as a right guard, where he’d compete with converted tackle Elijah Wilkinson (though Glasgow can also play guard). However it shakes out, another weakness on offense has been addressed. Grade: A
Round 3, No. 95 overall: McTelvin Agim, DT, Arkansas
Andy Benoit's analysis: Agim moved from defensive end to defensive tackle last year; it will be interesting to see where he plays in Denver. He might have an opportunity to develop through trial and error, as last year’s third-round pick, Dre’Mont Jones (and, likely, DeMarcus Walker), will be ahead of him in the rotation. Grade: C
Round 4, No. 118 overall: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri
Round 5, No. 178 overall: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest
Round 6, No. 181 overall: Netane Muti, G, Fresno State
Round 7, No. 252 overall: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida
Round 7, No. 254 overall: Derek Tuszka, EDGE, North Dakota State
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