Following the 2020 NFL Combine, we've got a bit more clarity about draft season. Read on to see which players have been slotted to Denver, which will make the 15th-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Todd McShay, ESPN: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Alabama safety Xavier McKinney would help lessen a potential free-agency loss of Justin Simmons, while Florida's CJ Henderson would be a solid replacement for Chris Harris Jr. at corner. And South Carolina's Javon Kinlaw could drop into a defensive line losing a few pieces, though he is more of a 4-3 interior guy than a true 3-4 nose tackle. But with Ruggs and his fighter jet 4.27 speed still on the board, I'm getting a burner opposite Courtland Sutton for second-year quarterback Drew Lock. Ruggs is explosive and has a skill set that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur can design plays around. With some development to his route running and some tacked-on strength, Ruggs has the chance to be special in the NFL and could instantly be a favorite target of the big-armed Lock.
Mel Kiper Jr., ESPN: T Josh Jones, 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.
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL Network: LB Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma
The Broncos need more speed and athleticism at linebacker.
Dane Brugler, The Athletic: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama; CB Jeff Gladney, TCU; C Matt Hennessy, Temple; LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming; DL Jason Strowbridge, UNC
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.
Vinnie Iyer, Sporting News: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
The Broncos have Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton and Noah Fant to help Drew Lock in the downfield passing game, but here's the weapon to round things out in the receiving corps. Jeudy fits the profile as a No. 1 receiver; he is a classic intermediate to deep field-stretcher and smooth drive-finisher in the red zone at 6-1, 193 pounds.
Walter Cherepinsky, WalterFootball.com: WR Henry Ruggs, Alabama
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. Henry Ruggs is a very fast receiver who would be a nice complement for Sutton.
Chad Reuter, NFL.com: WR CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma
It's unclear whether GM John Elway will prefer Lamb or Jerry Jeudy with his top pick, but either way, I could see him jumping ahead of his division rival to land his explosive wideout of choice for Drew Lock.
Nate Davis, USA Today: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
A team facing an overhaul of its defensive line would probably love to get its hooks into Kinlaw. Yet Ruggs and his combine-best 4.27 speed would hardly be a consolation prize, potentially a seamless fit to an offense that boasts big-bodied WR Courtland Sutton and mobile TE Noah Fant.
Ryan Wilson, CBS Sports: WR Jerry Jeudy, Alabama
This seems nuts -- the first wideout doesn't come off the board until the middle of Round 1 -- but this WR draft class is so incredibly deep that teams are addressing other needs early. Either way, this is great news for Drew Lock and the Broncos, who land the best route runner in this class.
Chris Trapasso, CBS Sports: DL Derrick Brown, Auburn
While not a dire need, the Broncos do have limited depth on their defensive interior. Brown is an instant impact guy even if he doesn't have All-Pro type abilities as a pass rusher.
Dan Kadar, SB Nation: WR Henry Ruggs III, Alabama
Although Ruggs didn't break John Ross' 40-yard dash record, he still had an excellent combine. That means the discussion point will be about whether or not he's jumped over Jeudy or Lamb. The Broncos should hope not. Ruggs is a perfect complement to Courtland Sutton and would give Denver a strong wide receiver duo.
