The Broncos are on the verge of becoming a contender in 2020, following a strong off-season, but in order to consistently challenge the Chiefs in the AFC West, they’ll need another impressive draft class.
Here are three players that experts from around the NFL media landscape think the Broncos could add to their roster in next year’s draft.
Todd McShay, ESPN: Samuel Cosmi, OT, Texas
With Garett Bolles’ contract expiring at the end of the 2020 season, and tackle consistently being a problem for the Broncos, it makes sense they’d target a remedy to that nagging problem early in the 2021 Draft.
“Cosmi brings 6-foot-7, 310-pound size with superb mobility,” McShay wrote. “He still has to develop a bit, but he has the talent to emerge as a high-end left tackle. And if you want a glimpse of his athleticism and quickness, check out his 12-yard touchdown from last October.”
Cosmi still has a lot of room left to develop, but his tools in terms of size and athleticism are eye-catching for sure. The good news for Cosmi, and for whichever team drafts him, is that the Big 12 hasn’t canceled their season yet, which could give him a chance to further his development before the draft.
Sayre Bedinger, Predominantly Orange: Jalen Twyman, DL, Pitt
After this season, Jurrell Casey won’t have a dead cap hit anymore and Shelby Harris’ contract is expiring. Pair that with the young, talented tandem of Dre’Mont Jones and McTelvin Agim on the roster, and the Broncos could be looking to rebuild on the defensive line in 2021.
“Jaylen Twyman opted out of the 2020 season despite the ACC planning on playing ball, and we’ll see if that decision pays off for him,” Bedinger wrote. “Twyman may not cross the Broncos’ threshold of college experience with just one breakout season in 2019, but it was a good one. He finished with 41 total tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, and 10.5 sacks. Imagining a defensive line unit with him, Dre’Mont Jones, McTelvin Agim, and Jurrell Casey as the foundation pieces is a solid reload idea for Fangio and company.”
While Twyman flashed a lot of potential in 2019, he’s still fairly raw and it would be tough to draft him in the first round without him putting anything else on tape. He’s an intriguing prospect, but hopefully one the Broncos consider later in the draft than in the top 15.
Luke Easterling, USA Today: Marvin Wilson III, DT, FSU
If the Broncos do decide to go defensive line in the first round, Wilson would be a much better target than Twyman. Not only could he replace Mike Purcell at nose tackle, who also has a contract expiring after this season, but he could be a sizable upgrade.
“This defense boasts one of the NFL’s best edge-rushing tandems, but they could use a young anchor for the interior of the line,” Easterling wrote. “A massive mauler with rare explosiveness for his size, Wilson is a huge problem for opposing offenses, and routinely blows up plays in the backfield.”
Marvin Wilson III is an incredible defensive tackle prospect who is adept at defending the run and rushing the passer. He easily slices through gaps and penetrates the backfield, but he also has the necessary size and strength to take on blocks and clog up the opposing run game.