Following the NFL Combine, the analytics junkies over at Pro Football Focus paired each team with one prospect that fit them best.
This resulted in some picks Broncos fans would hate, like the Chargers securing Jedrick Wills, the best tackle in the draft, but most of them would lead to exciting draft day scenarios. That is definitely the case with Boise State wide receiver John Hightower, who PFF paired with the Broncos.
“Coming out of Boise State with just one season of significant playing time, Hightower is going to fly under the radar in this deep wide receiver class,” wrote PFF writer Ben Linsey to justify the pairing. “As the PFF Draft Guide notes, that’s only going to make him more of a steal. Being a deep threat isn’t all about speed, and Hightower shown the route nuances and ball tracking that you like to see on tape. He’ll likely have to continue to fill out his frame, but weighing in at 189 pounds at the combine is a nice start.
“The Broncos are in search of a complementary option to Courtland Sutton,” Linsey wrote. “Sutton took a massive step forward last season, but the options at receiver opposite him were lacking. DaeSean Hamilton led the group with just 28 receptions. Henry Ruggs is a popular first-round target, but if the Broncos decide to go elsewhere in Round 1, Hightower will be available later in the draft. He could give the Broncos the deep threat they’re looking for while allowing them to address other needs early, or even doubling down at wide receiver.”
The pairing would certainly ease Hightower’s transition to the NFL, considering he’s already comfortable with the colors orange and blue as well as playing for a team named the Broncos. It would also give Denver what they’re looking for at the fraction of a price.
Hightower should be on the board for Denver’s third-round picks, and while Ruggs is clearly a better, more polished, more explosive receiver, he might not be so much better to justify being drafted two-to-three full rounds before Hightower, considering the depth of the position and what the two offer to an offense.
The biggest difference between Ruggs and Hightower would be their ability to make contested, physical catches. Ruggs is by no means Courtland Sutton, but he does exhibit good play strength and the ability to fight through a defensive back to make the catch. Hightower struggles a lot in this aspect of the game, which is a big concern as NFL throwing windows are much tighter than college ones.
That being said, Hightower would still be a terrific bargain bin option if Denver misses out on their first-round speed demon.
