The Broncos made it clear by going defense in free agency that they would be spending their draft assets on surrounding Drew Lock with offensive talent.
In all likelihood, they’ll target this year’s star-studded receiver class with at least two picks, maybe more. With Denver returning to the well so much, who is the pass-catcher in each round they should pray falls into their lap?
Round 1: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama
Jerry Jeudy isn’t the best in the class at any one thing you’d ask of a wide receiver, outside of maybe his route running. Instead, he’s just pretty damn good at everything.
His ceiling might not be quite as high as the Everest-like peaks of CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III, but his floor is much better and he still boasts a high peak, though maybe more in the Kilamanjaro range.
Worst case scenario, you’re probably getting Amari Cooper, who just became the highest-paid receiver in NFL history.
Round 2: Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State
Unlike Jeudy, Brandon Aiyuk might just be the best receiver at one aspect of the game. Specifically, making plays after the catch.
Aiyuk’s game is still pretty raw and his route tree is limited, so he’ll need a creative offensive coordinator to help him out, but Aiyuk’s ability to turn nothing into something is special. He’s also got the requisite intangibles — high football IQ, good work ethic, toughness, leadership — to be very successful at the next level
Round 3: Laviska Shenault, WR, Colorado
Laviska Shenault is a player from the same cloth as Brandon Aiyuk. Neither are polished route-runners but both are more explosive than just about anyone else in the class once they have the ball in their hands.
Shenault’s big concern will be the injuries that plagued his college career. He also had a really disappointing combine, which could’ve been a result of said injuries.
Though still, he’s one of the best athletes in this class and has as high a ceiling as anyone if he can stay healthy and lands with a good offensive mind.
Round 4: Bryan Edwards, WR, South Carolina
Heading into the Senior Bowl, Edwards had one of the fastest rising stocks in the class. He would have been on the verge of becoming a top-50 prospect with a good showing in Mobile, Alabama. But unfortunately, he had to drop out because he wasn’t at 100 percent health-wise.
Then to make things worse, before the combine, he broke his ankle.
That plummeted his stock, but Edwards’ talent is well worth the injury risk. He’s an excellent, big-bodied target, who was able to consistently out-physical and outplay the top SEC defensive backs throughout his collegiate career.
Round 5: James Hightower, WR, Boise State
The Broncos would be happy with any type of talented receiver they could add to the roster, but they’d probably prefer a guy who can take the top off a defense, and Hightower does just that.
There’s a reason why a speedster like Hightower falls to Round 5 though, and his reason is that he doesn’t create much. He’s alright after the catch, but he struggles to make contested plays on his own.
Round 6: Quintez Cephus, WR, Wisconsin
Denver has consistently had one of the league’s worst red zone offenses ever since Peyton Manning retired. Drafting the monstrous Quintez Cephus could help remedy that.
Cephus is 6’1″, but after watching him play, you’d swear he’s 6’5″ with how much he physically dominates opposing cornerbacks, though speed is a serious concern.
Cephus could serve as a great replacement for Tim Patrick if the Broncos don’t want to offer him a new contract after the 2020 season.
Round 7: Quartney Davis, WR, Texas A&M
Quartney Davis could serve as excellent insurance at the slot position in case DaeSean Hamilton continues to disappoint.
Davis has more fight than you’d find in the average slot receiver and could even be put outside occasionally. He’s good at getting off press coverage and gaining separation from physical cornerbacks, and he’s better than you’d expect with contested catches.