Pick 15: Jerry Jeudy WR Alabama
Grade: A+
Landing Jeudy at 15 was the ideal scenario for Denver, as they got their top receiver on their board and they didn’t have to trade up for him. Jeudy will be a fantastic complement to Sutton for a long time, and will help Lock out tremendously because of his separation ability.
Pick 46: KJ Hamler WR Penn State
Grade: B+
Although WR wasn’t the Broncos biggest need here, Hamlers speed is very hard to pass up on and they got him for a good value at 46. He will be a huge upgrade to this offense, as he can play from the slot where it’s near impossible to guard him, and he can also take the top off the defense and get open deep for Lock.
Pick 77: Michael Ojemudia CB Iowa
Grade: B-
I thought Ojemudia in the 3rd round was a bit of a reach, and although I would have rather had Dantzler, Ojemudia will be a really good fit in Denver and a very versatile player that Vic Fangio clearly likes. He should compete for a starting spot immediately.
Pick 83: Lloyd Cushenberry III C LSU
Grade: A
Cushenberry was one of the best linemen in college football in 2019, and the Broncos got him for great value. He will start right away at center and will give the Broncos line a big boost. I think Cushenberry and Lock will be a great tandem moving forward.
Pick 95: McTelvin Agim DT Arkansas
Grade: C-
I thought this pick was a bit of a reach, considering Agim really struggles against the run and is undersized. But on the other hand, Agim is one of the best interior pass rushers in the whole draft and he will provide immediate impact on passing downs for the defense.
Pick 118: Albert Okweugbunam TE Missouri
Grade: B
Although TE isn’t a big need for the Broncos, Albert O’s talent was just too special to pass up in the 4th round. He will be a mismatch nightmare for defenses, as he is 6’5” and also the fastest TE in the draft, and he will provide a great one-two punch with Noah Fant at tight end. It’s also noteworthy that Okwuegbunam and Drew Lock played together at Missouri, and they had a great connection there.
Pick 178: Justin Strnad LB Wake Forest
Grade: B-
The Broncos desperately need an athletic LB that can cover well, and Strnad is just that. He is very rangy and versatile and if he stays healthy, he will be a big impact for the Broncos defense as a rookie.
Pick 181: Netane Nuti OG Fresno State
Grade: A+
Muti in the 6th round was one of the steals of the draft, as he easily could have been a 2nd round pick if he stayed healthy. Muti is the strongest linemen in the class and was a mauler at Fresno State when healthy. Unfortunately he wasn’t healthy very often, but if he can stay on the field, he will be a star for the Broncos and an absolute steal.
Pick 252: Tyrie Cleveland WR Florida
Grade: B-
Cleveland is a talented deep threat, that will compete for a roster spot. One thing that really helps Cleveland’s chances at making the team, is that he’s a fantastic special teams player.
Pick 254: Derrek Tuszka DE North Dakota State
Grade: A
I personally love Tuszka. When you turn on North Dakota States film he is the player that stands out the most, as he makes play after play for that defense. Considering we got him with one of the last picks of the draft, he was an absolute steal and he will make an impact on this team moving forward.
Total grade: A
John Elway had one of his best drafts in a long time, and the Broncos arguably had the best draft in the NFL. All of these players will make an impact down the road and most of them will make impacts as rookies.
Author: Danny Acker (@broncoschase)
