2020 NFL Draft Grades: Denver Broncos

Drew Lock was drafted by the Denver Broncos in the 2019 NFL Draft, and their 2020 class was clearly selected with his development in mind. The Broncos made sure to select multiple playmakers for him to throw the ball to, securing both Jerry Jeudy and K.J. Hamler with their first two selections. On top of that, they reunited former Missouri tight end Albert Okwuegbunam with his college quarterback and added two strong offensive line prospects. Today, I’ll grade the Denver Broncos 2020 Draft class.

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Who did the Denver Broncos draft?

Round 1, Pick #15: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Round 2, Pick #46: KJ Hamler, WR, Penn State

Round 3, Pick #77: Michael Ojemudia, DB, Iowa

Round 3, Pick #83: Lloyd Cushenberry, OL, LSU

Round 3, Pick #95: McTelvin Agim, DL, Arkansas

Round 4, Pick #118: Albert Okwuegbunam, TE, Missouri

Round 5, Pick #178: Justin Strnad, LB, Wake Forest

Round 6, Pick #181: Netane Muti, OL, Fresno State

Round 7, Pick #252: Tyrie Cleveland, WR, Florida

Round 7, Pick #254: Derrek Tuszka, EDGE, North Dakota State

Best Player: Jerry Jeudy

Jeudy was one of the 12 best prospects in the 2020 NFL Draft, and his fit in Denver will be a beautiful one. Jeudy is an advanced and nuanced route runner who separates from coverage including vertical routes. He’ll create open passing windows for Lock, and can track the deep ball to help stretch the field. Jeudy has Pro Bowl potential early on in his NFL career. 

Jerry Jeudy’s acceleration out of his breaks is what makes him the best wide receiver in college football pic.twitter.com/qrb0RJDOEI

— Brad Kelly (@BradKelly17) January 8, 2019

Best Value: Both interior offensive linemen

On top of finding weapons for Drew Lock to throw to, Denver found some protection for their young quarterback. LSU center Lloyd Cushenberry was a team captain and named MVP of the team that won the national championship. I had him ranked as the second-best interior offensive lineman in the draft class and could’ve easily selected in the top-50.

Fresno State guard Netane Muti would have been a higher selection if not for a shaky medical report and provides starter upside as a powerful mauler. It’s possible that Denver found a future duo on their interior offensive line, both at value selections in the same draft. 

Biggest Reach: Michael Ojemudia

It almost feels unfair to label Ojemudia as the biggest reach, but Denver did a great job of securing value with most of their selections. Ojemudia has great tools with size, athleticism, and fluidity. However, his ball skills are inconsistent and his run support leaves a lot to be desired. Those issues will prevent him from starting in the short-term, and he needs proper development to be relied on down the line. Selecting him at pick 77 felt about a round too early.

Biggest Sleeper: Derrek Tuszka

Tuszka was a dominant force on the best team in the FCS, winning conference defensive player of the year honors en route to 13.5 sacks. At the NFL Scouting Combine, Tuszka checked in over 250 pounds and ran the fastest three-cone drill among defensive linemen. His film matches those marks, as he’s a dynamic pass rusher around the edge, Tuszka could have been drafted early on Day 3, but questions about his level of competition make him a sleeper prospect who fell to one of the last picks in the draft.

Draft Grade: A-

I simply love what the Denver Broncos did during this draft; they surrounded Lock with exciting play-makers and some beef up front. This class will go a long way in Lock’s development, which raises the ceiling of the entire team. Between Jeudy, Hamler, and Albert O, the Broncos suddenly have a young core of weapons with versatility and upside. While they could still use a talent influx at offensive tackle, they improved their offensive line and running game during this draft as well.