The Denver Post

NATIONAL VIEW

Good grades from all but one

- Justin K. Aller, Getty Images file By Matt Schubert Matt Schubert: 303-954-1829, mschubert@denverpost.com or @MattDSchub­ert

The general consensus among national writers paid to evaluate the Broncos’ performanc­e during the NFL draft? A round of pats on the back for John Elway and his front office staff.

Well, except for one: The hair piece himself, Mel Kiper Jr.

ESPN’s longtime resident draftnik was easily the biggest skeptic of the Broncos’ moves to provide quarterbac­k Drew Lock with ample weapons, speed and protection. In particular, he was critical of what he saw as reaches at wide receiver in round 2 (KJ Hamler), cornerback in round 3 (Michael O jemudia) and tight end in round 4 (Albert Okwuegbuna­m).

“This class has too much bust potential for my liking,” Kiper said in giving the Broncos a C-plus in his post-draft grade column. “… While I love the (Jerry) Jeudy fit in Round 1, I’m going to knock the rest.”

Broncos fans looking for a ray of sunshine, don’t have to look too far, however.

A collection of five other writers gave Elway no worse than a B-plus in their instant reactions. Here’s a look at what they all had to say:

Andy Benoit, Sports Illustrate­d

Grade :A

Benoit writes : “After rounding out the outside spots in their receiving corps, the Broncos added a prototypic­al super-shifty weapon inside, in slot receiver KJ Hamler. It won’t be hard to predict where Denver’s wide receivers will line up on any given play, but with three players so perfectly suited for their roles, it will be hard to stop them.”

Nate Davis, USA Today

Grade: B-plus

Davis writes: “If there’s any element of glass half-empty here, it would be the expectatio­ns mounting on QB Drew Lock — he won four of five starts to conclude his rookie year — after GM John Elway surrounded him with so many additional weapons. First-rounder Jerry Jeudy is as polished an incoming player as you’ll find at receiver while second-round WR K.J. Hamler should fly down the field, opening things up for Jeudy, Pro Bowler Courtland Sutton and TE Noah Fant.”

Pete Prisco, CBSSports.com

Grade: B-plus

Prisco writes : “John Elway has taken a lot of criticism for his drafts, and rightfully so, but I think this was a good one. Getting Jeudy and Hamler will help Drew Lock and they added some other players who will contribute — and maybe start. I love Agim and

third-round center Lloyd Cushenberr­y.”

Mike Renner, Pro Football Focus

Grade: A-plus

PFF writes : “The fact that Denver didn’t have to give up additional draft capital and trade up to land Jerry Jeudy is absurd. The former ’Bama wide receiver had a consensus rank of No. 8 and ranked fifth on PFF’s big board. He’s a special separator in this class with great (yard-after-catch) ability. He may not look like Julio Jones or Amari Cooper physically, but Jeudy is every bit as good a prospect as those two coming out of Alabama.”

Chad Reuter, NFL.com

Grade :A

Reuter writes : ” I figured the Broncos would hammer the receiver position — getting Jeudy and Hamler will cause headaches for opposing defense. The team then found help at center, cornerback and the defensive line on Day 2. The Broncos must have figured Okwuegbuna­m was too good of an athlete to ignore in the fourth round, and it’s tough to argue with them, despite his inconsiste­ncy on the field.”

 ??  ?? KJ Hamler of the Penn State scores on a 93-yard touchdown pass against Ohio State at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.
KJ Hamler of the Penn State scores on a 93-yard touchdown pass against Ohio State at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa.

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