10 Denver picks that could dramatically reshape roster
The NFL Draft is just two weeks away. Thank goodness.
With the rest of the sports world currently at a stand-still, the three-day event should offer some entertainment, while also allowing Broncos general manager John Elway to continue to retool his roster. The Broncos have 10 picks with needs still dotting the depth chart.
Here is our Broncos
Mock Draft 3.0.
Round 1 (15th overall) Alabama WR Henry Ruggs III
The Broncos need a more explosive offense. How’s this for an addition? Ruggs scored 25 touchdowns (24 receiving, one rushing) in three seasons at Alabama and averaged 29 yards per scoring play, including eight touchdowns of 40plus yards. Truly electric stuff.
Round 2 (46th overall) Temple C Matt Hennessy
This could be a tad early, but Hennessy’s 35 starts at center should allow him to slot in as a rookie between guards Dalton Risner and Graham Glasgow. Hennessy has smooth, nimble footwork, which helps him execute effectively in zoneblocking schemes. His strength isn’t exactly overwhelming, but he would be a quick learner under offensive line coach Mike Munchak.
Round 3 (77th overall) Texas Tech LB Jordyn Brooks
A rangy, instinctive inside linebacker, Brooks notched 20 tackles for loss as a senior, ending his Texas Tech career with 367 tackles in 47 games (45 starts). He’s a thumper who can get sideline to sideline and would be comfortable in Vic Fangio’s 3-4 scheme. Will the Broncos be comfortable with his medicals? Brooks has had multiple shoulder surgeries, a red flag that could be complicated by the fact that NFL team doctors have been unable to fully examine prospects in the lead-up to the draft.
Round 3 (83rd overall) Virginia CB Bryce Hall
Like Brooks, how do Hall’s medicals check out? The Hokie DB played in just six games last season before requiring ankle surgery. With 10 picks, including five in the top 100, the Broncos might be more willing than other teams to take a risk on this sort of player. When healthy, Hall displays terrific timing (22 PBUs in 2018) and a solid understanding of route concepts.
Round 3 (95th overall) Connecticut OT Matt Peart
You could almost feel Broncos Country getting worked up into a lather as more picks were made without an offensive tackle being selected. Peart started 48 games at Connecticut and has experience on both sides of the line. He has exceptional size (6-foot-7/318 pounds) and length (36 5/8inch arms). His addition would give the Broncos long-term flexibility with Garett Bolles and Ja’Wuan James.
Round 4 (118th overall) North Carolina DL Jason Strowbridge
Asked to play a lot of defensive tackle at North
Carolina, Strowbridge has the look of an effective 3-4 defensive end. He has good burst, strong hands and rarely gives up on plays, which resulted in 11 ½ sacks, 22 tackles for loss and four blocked kicks in his career. It’s reasonable to believe Strowbridge’s best play is still to come.
Round 5 (178th overall) Stanford TE Colby Parkinson
Signing Nick Vannett allows the Broncos to wait until Day 3 if they want to add more depth at tight end. Parkinson moved all around the formation in Stanford’s pro-style offense. His blocking needs work, but he averaged 16.7 yards per catch with seven touchdowns in 2018, his best overall year in college.
Round 6 (181st overall) Maryland S Antoine Brooks Jr.
Here’s consistent production: Brooks had 8 ½, 9 ½ and 9 ½ tackles for loss the past three seasons. He is a bit undersized (5-11/220) but has experience playing the nickel spot, in addition to safety. Brooks will likely be at his best in the NFL when he is lined up near the line of scrimmage.
Round 7 (252nd overall) Illinois DE Oluwole Betiku Jr.
A former five-star defensive end, Betiku finished his disappointing college career with 13 tackles for loss and nine sacks in 2019. This late in the draft, it’s worth gambling on his upside.
Round 7 (254th overall) Texas Tech OT Terence Steele
A two-time All-Big 12 honorable mention, Steele is 6-6, 312 pounds with 47 games of starting experience. A team will give him a shot to compete for a job.