Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos 2020 mock draft: Building on Drew Lock’s debut

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos celebrates as he leaves the field after their win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 01: Quarterback Drew Lock #3 of the Denver Broncos celebrates as he leaves the field after their win against the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 7
Next

It feels like one way or another, the Broncos are going to have to take an offensive tackle in the top two rounds of the 2020 NFL Draft.

They spent big money on Ja’Wuan James in free agency last year, so he’s got to start at one of the two spots. Preferably right tackle.

But if the Broncos have to move James over to the left side and put a rookie in on the right side, so be it. Some of the best tackles in this year’s class — and there are a lot of good ones — are natural right tackles or have played the majority of their college games at right tackle.

Lucas Niang, who has been an absolute wall in pass protection for the TCU Horned Frogs, doesn’t care whether he plays right or left but primarily has played on the right side.

The issue at tackle right now is Garett Bolles. He has not developed the core strength necessary to hold up at the NFL level, and his feisty style of play hasn’t been corraled to this point. He’s been sloppy, defiant, and has not only not shown improvement, but he’s actually shown signs of regression.

The Broncos have Bolles for one more year beyond this one, and they may decide he’s worth keeping around for another year as a former first-round pick, but a player like Niang could start right away with his NFL frame and excellent athleticism, especially in pass protection.

Home/Mock Draft