Reviewing the Denver Broncos’ 2020 NFL draft class
The 2020 NFL concluded on Saturday night, and analysts have been quick to praise the work of the Denver Broncos. The AFC West franchise drafted two high-quality wide receivers in Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler and added “solid depth and value” with its class of ten picks overall.
Round 1, 15th pick – Jerry Jeudy, WR
21-year-old Jerry Jeudy finished his final regular season at Alabama with nine touchdowns and 959 receiving yards at an average of 17.2 yards per catch as he showcased the talent that made him the top WR pick for many teams entering the draft with a consensus rank of eight.
The Broncos needed a wide receiver after finishing 17th in passing yards last season so they will be delighted to have secured a sure starter in Jeudy. He will put his YAC ability to use if, as expected, second-year quarterback Drew Lock steps up to take the reins.
Round 2, 46th pick – KJ Hamler, WR
The Broncos secured one of the faster players in the draft in 20-year-old KJ Hamler, another receiver with an impressive pedigree. The Penn State graduate went on a 14 game run of 20 yard+ receptions and averaged 16.9 yards per catch overall in his final season. Hamler’s explosive pace will again aid the Broncos’ quest to move the ball downfield quicker, which is sure to excite punters betting on pro sports during the NFL 2020 season.
Round 3, 77th pick – Michael Ojemudia, CB
General manager John Elway said he was “thrilled” to land Michael Ojemudia after targeting a cornerback in the third round. Head coach Vic Fangio was equally effusive, claiming that he “just liked” everything about the 22-year-old’s overall game.
Experts believe Ojemudia is capable of flashing top-flight skills but that the Broncos may have to mold him into a more consistent performer over time. The 6ft 5in CB stood out at the scouting combine after running a 4.45 in the 40.
Round 3, 83rd pick – Lloyd Cushenberry III, C
Lloyd Cushenberry, voted as LSU’s MVP last season, was believed to have second-round value by analysts heading into the weekend draft. It’s no surprise then that Elway was “excited” to pick up the 22-year-old who will now compete with Austin Schlottman and Patrick Morris for a starting berth and could eventually play as both a guard and a center.
Round 3, 95th pick – McTelvin Agim, DT
Another player that fits neatly into Fangio’s playing style is McTelvin Agim, who stood out at the combine with a 4.98 40-yard dash. The 22-year-old has the physical attributes to excel as a defensive tackle but is also versatile enough to slot into a defensive end in a 3-4. Defensive line coach Bill Kollar will be looking to turn the raw potential into a highly productive asset during the next 18 months.
Round 3, 118th pick – Albert Okwuegbunam, TE
Experts agree that Albert Okwuegbunam needs some fine-tuning and polishing of his routes to be a constant thorn in the side of defenders. The stats suggest he is capable after clocking up 23 touchdown catches from 98 receptions during his time with the Tigers. Lengthy spells on the sidelines with shoulder issues in 2019 did not put off the Broncos from drafting the 22-year-old.
Round 5, 178th pick – Justin Strnad, LB
A special-team specialist, Justin Strnad may not have been the quickest linebacker in the draft, but his play speed was evident to those at the combine. Bicep surgery sidelined the 23-year-old last October, but he bounced back to finish with two sacks and 69 tackles in eight games for Wake Forest.
Round 6, 181st pick – Netane Muti, OG
Netane Muti slipped down the pre-draft stock after sustaining several injuries during his college years with the Bulldogs. Still, his quality handwork in pass protection and ability to overpower defenders makes the 21-year-old a prospect to keep an eye on after the Broncos drafted him during round six.
Round 7, 252nd pick – Tyrie Cleveland, WR
The Broncos stacked up on wide receivers early in the draft, but they will be happy to have procured Tryrie Cleveland, who shares many of the traits they were looking for heading into the weekend. If Elway can sand down some of the rough edges, Cleveland could fulfill his potential and make use of his raw top-end speed.
Round 7, 254th pick – Derek Tuszka, OLB
Another quality addition to the ranks, Derek Tuszka’s playing speed and effort, will stand him in good stead, especially on special teams. The North Dakota State graduate logged 21 sacks in his final two seasons and was a regular starter in the team’s three national championship triumphs.
New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy was among the league analysts who gave the Broncos draft class a high grade. He concluded: “Best collection of offensive skill talent in the NFL? Adding this class to Melvin Gordon, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, and Phillip Lindsay makes a strong case. Drew Lock is a lucky quarterback.”
