As the Senior Bowl approaches, an initial wave of mock drafts have arrived. Read on to see which players have been slotted to Denver, which will make the 15th-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
The Broncos have a budding No. 1 wideout in Courtland Sutton, but adding more speed opposite him would help open the offense. Ruggs has world-class speed and his ability to shift gears puts cornerbacks in a blender, creating passing windows downfield.
Todd McShay, ESPN: S Grant Delpit, LSU
Denver could lose soon-to-be free agents Chris Harris Jr. and Justin Simmons from its secondary, and Delpit is a rangy, instinctive safety who would help fill a moderate need. The Broncos could also badly use an upgrade at offensive tackle, but there just isn't one who fits at No. 12. And I like Drew Lock, but if the Broncos aren't sold on the rookie QB, it's not out of the question for them to move up for Herbert. Lots of options for Denver.
[Note: McShay's mock draft is from mid-December]
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: T Jedrick Wills, Alabama
The Broncos need some defensive and receiving help, but they also could use a boost to their offensive line edge play to help both second-year QB Drew Lock and third-year running back Phillip Lindsay. Wills (6-5, 320 pounds) is a strong, powerful run-blocker who needs a little time to develop into an elite pass-protector.
Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com: WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
Courtland Sutton is a beast, but the Broncos have nothing else at receiver after moving on from Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders in consecutive seasons. Drew Lock looks like he has some potential, so John Elway needs to give his young quarterback another weapon.
Laviska Shenault drew rave reviews during spring practices preceding the 2018 campaign, and he didn't disappoint. The 6-foot-2 play-maker was college football's best receiver as a mere sophomore (at least prior to his injury.)
Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, USA Today: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Dismissing offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello after only one season and installing Pat Shurmur as his replacement proved Denver won't settle for status quo as Drew Lock enters Year 2 as the team's long-sought answer at quarterback. Ruggs' rare speed would contrast well with big-bodied receiver Courtland Sutton's playing style and create more big-play opportunities downfield.
Josh Edwards, CBS Sports: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
I apologize to Broncos fans for the lack of originality here. Ruggs has been locked in here for awhile. It is a perfect fit. The concept of Noah Fant, Courtland Sutton and Ruggs being together is exciting for a football fan.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: DL Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
The Broncos are suddenly in need of more bodies up front who could disrupt the opposing quarterback. They get that with Kinlaw, the most versatile defensive lineman in the class.
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
The Broncos should go all-in with Drew Lock next season, and a receiver like Ruggs can give him a deep target on the outside.
Zach Buckley, Bleacher Report: WR Laviska Shenault Jr., Colorado
Kristopher Knox, Bleacher Report: T Tristan Wirfs, Iowa
