Denver Broncos 2020 NFL Draft prospect: LSU CB Kristian Fulton

The Denver Broncos will reportedly have a pre-draft call with LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton, projected to go in the first or second round.

Like it or not, the Denver Broncos could be prioritizing the cornerback position with one of their top three picks in the 2020 NFL Draft.

After trading for Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback AJ Bouye, the Broncos at least have a competent overall group and a proven stud at the cornerback position, but they may be interested in more upgrades after losing Chris Harris Jr., the last member of the No Fly Zone.

One possible upgrade? LSU cornerback Kristian Fulton.

The Broncos will reportedly have a pre-draft call with Fulton, indicating they possibly have serious interest in drafting him.

The Broncos know what Fulton can do on the field, so their questions in a Facetime meeting could be just as much an emphasis on what he’s got going on off the field as anything else. Prior to the 2017 season, he had someone else provide a urine sample for a PED test. He had used marijuana a couple of days before the test, was worried about failing it, and served the punishment.

He was initially suspended for two seasons before the NCAA reviewed his case and granted him eligibility in 2018 after he sat out all of 2017.

In both 2018 and 2019, Fulton was a stud for the Tigers, showing sticky press-man cover abilities and coming up huge in some of the biggest games he played as a collegiate player.

According to PFF College, Fulton allowed three receptions for 39 yards on 11 targets in his coverage snaps against Clemson’s Tee Higgins, Alabama’s Henry Ruggs, and Ruggs’ teammate Jerry Jeudy.

He locked his coverage down to less than a 40 percent completion rate in his direction.

His production is outstanding, but equally important from the Broncos’ perspective? Fulton has the ability to play in multiple defensive schemes and has excelled as both a zone corner and man cover corner.

Pro Football Focus absolutely loves the kid.

Depending on who you ask, Fulton is either a top 20 pick or a second-round guy. It’s hard to know in terms of on-field production why he might be considered a day two player, but perhaps teams are wary of Fulton’s off-field issues a couple of years ago.

If that’s a problem for NFL teams, he could easily slip out of the first round. If it’s all about football? Any spot beyond 32 is a tremendous value for Fulton. He would be a solid pick in round one, but is he worthy of the Broncos’ 15th overall selection? Maybe.

He’s the type of cornerback Vic Fangio covets for his defense with aggressiveness against the run and the ability to play multiple coverages effectively.

His production against some of the best receivers in this year’s draft is enticing. The Broncos will undoubtedly upgrade the cornerback position in the 2020 NFL Draft. This player would be a tremendous addition to Vic Fangio’s defense, and if the Broncos can get him beyond the 15th overall pick, that would be even better.