Denver Broncos: Are the 49ers a logical trade-up partner?

The Denver Broncos may look to trade up in the 2020 NFL Draft. Will they consider a trade with the 49ers?

The majority of signs of what direction the Denver Broncos will go point to the team selecting a wide receiver with their first-round pick (15th overall) in the 2020 NFL Draft. There is a chance that the San Francisco 49ers, who hold the 13th overall pick, will also be looking to add wide receiver depth.

But the 49ers are reportedly interested in using their first first-round pick in a trade down to accumulate more picks.

Are the Denver Broncos a candidate to trade for that pick?

The two teams have had experience trading with each other in the recent past. Just last year, wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders was traded for a third-round pick as well as a fourth-round pick in the 2020 Draft.

The fourth-round pick didn’t stay with Denver up to draft day, as they sent it to the Jacksonville Jaguars for cornerback A.J. Bouye.

The Broncos also sent a fifth-round pick to the 49ers in the 2019 NFL Draft for linebacker Dekoda Watson.

There have been other draft day deals between the teams including a trade a couple of years ago for running back Kapri Bibbs.

In 2015, before John Lynch was even the GM, the two teams agreed on a trade that sent tight end Vernon Davis and a seventh-round pick to the Denver Broncos for two sixth-round picks.

Now, the question to be asked is, is trading with the 49ers worth it in this case? The Broncos are in desperate need of a wide receiver. The top three wideouts in this year’s class could be gone by Denver’s current pick.

It really depends on the order in which each of the receiver-needy teams views the top guys at the position. We have heard a lot of rumors that the Broncos are interested in the fastest of the bunch, Henry Ruggs III.

The Broncos could trade No. 15 overall, as well as their 2021 first-round pick, and probably more (depending on if the 49ers bite). But if the 49ers want a receiver at 15, they probably should stay at 13 and take their guy.

I think that it would make the most sense to trade up higher than two spots if that’s the direction the Denver Broncos want to go.

Now, the most recent rumor is that they are highly interested in trading up for Jerry Jeudy.

A question each team is thinking about is, “Which flavor do we like and want the most?” Ruggs’ speed is a game-changer that could help any team. Jeudy is a contested-catch freak.

They both played in a pro-style offense at Alabama under Nick Saban and offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian.

Now, let’s run down the list of teams that are currently scheduled to pick before the Broncos. Do they need a receiver?

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Expected to choose QB Joe Burrow.
2. Washington Redskins: Expected to choose Edge Rusher Chase Young.
3. Detroit Lions: Expected to either select CB Jeff Okudah at current pick, or could trade down and pick him.
4. New York Giants: Not expected to go receiver. Maybe offensive line. Maybe Isaiah Simmons.
5. Miami Dolphins: Need a quarterback first.
6. LA Chargers: Expected to go quarterback
7. Carolina Panthers: Could be a danger to the Broncos in a trade a little further down than 7.
8. Arizona Cardinals: Drafted three receivers last year. Doubt they do the same this year.
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: Could very well be a landing spot for one of the top receivers.
10. Cleveland Browns: Probably not.
11. New York Jets: Rumored to be interested in offensive linemen, but could take a receiver.
12. Las Vegas Raiders: High threat to Denver in terms of taking a receiver.
13. San Francisco 49ers: Yes, they will draft one.
14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Nope. They have Mike Evans and Chris Godwin.

With the rumor that the Broncos are highly interested in Jeudy, they could hypothetically trade up higher than the 49ers’ pick. The Cleveland Browns’ pick at No. 10 seems like the best destination for the Broncos.

It’s hard for me personally to see any team trading up higher than No. 10 for a receiver. While the Jaguars may draft one at No. 9, other teams may have to bite the bullet on that move.