1. Value at the wide receiver position
The Denver Broncos clearly want to come out of either the first or second round with a wide receiver, but who?
It could be Jerry Jeudy, Henry Ruggs, or CeeDee Lamb if they stay in the top 15. If they don’t?
That changes things. It could be one of any number of guys should they opt for a trade down scenario in the first round, which might be pretty enticing.
1. Justin Jefferson, LSU
Playing 99 percent of his snaps from the slot in 2019, Justin Jefferson was the ‘1A’ target in LSU’s extremely explosive offense featuring Heisman quarterback Joe Burrow, future first-round pick Ja’Marr Chase as the alpha receiver, and potential first-round running back Clyde Edwards-Helaire.
Jefferson, in his last 28 college games, has over 2,400 receiving yards, 24 touchdowns, and 165 catches. He’s much more than just a possession receiver, though. Jefferson is dynamic after the catch, he’s tough in the red zone, and he makes contested catches on the money down — third down.
2. Brandon Aiyuk, Arizona State
Rumor has it the Philadelphia Eagles have taken a liking to Aiyuk at pick 21 overall, so the Broncos would likely have to take him before then. With that said, Aiyuk carries some risk as a one-year starter for Arizona State but the former JUCO star exploded onto the scene in 2019 for the Sun Devils.
He’s got explosive vertical speed, a huge catch radius with a 6-foot-8 wingspan, and run after the catch abilities.
3. Jalen Reagor, TCU
If the Broncos covet speed above all else, Jalen Reagor is not a bad alternative to guys like Henry Ruggs and Jerry Jeudy.
Although Reagor is not the same caliber of route runner as Jeudy or Ruggs, he’s certainly got the speed, explosiveness, and field vision with the ball in his hands.
4. Denzel Mims, Baylor
Although I view Mims as more of a second-round player in terms of his overall game and present strengths and weaknesses, it seems like his stock has pretty firmly risen to the latter portion of the first round.
Nothing is guaranteed, but with his pre-draft performance at the Senior Bowl and Scouting Combine, Mims has proven that the ceiling is undeniably high.
He’s a big-bodied receiver with track speed who is one of the best contested-catch receivers in the draft. He reminds me quite a bit of Courtland Sutton in that regard.
5. Michael Pittman Jr., USC
If the Broncos would consider a long-strider like Denzel Mims in round one, why not Michael Pittman Jr.?
Especially given the fact that Pittman was a team captain for USC and star special teams player, he could be an ideal trade down candidate if the Broncos dip deep into the 20s.
Sure, in terms of body type and skill he’s similar to Courtland Sutton, but Pittman is the type of player the Broncos have been targeting in recent years.