The Denver Broncos played with fire a little bit but managed to get the best center in the class from LSU.
Lloyd Cushenberry is being brought to the Denver Broncos to address the offensive line. Denver played with fire while the Cowboys and Jets were on the clock ahead of them but they lucked out selecting the potential best center in the 2020 NFL Draft class.
Cushenberry right now presumably slides into the starting role at the center on the line. Graham Glasgow could have slid into the role but Denver stole Cushenberry in the third round.
Cushenberry fits well in a zone scheme and has a very strong anchor to push piles at the second level. He has fantastic strength. Cushenberry does have the athleticism to possibly guard; however, the expectation, of course, is center.
With the loss of Connor McGovern to the New York Jets, it did leave those question marks of where Denver goes in the NFL Draft. But a fate of luck, Denver got their man 83rd overall with no trades.
There had been talk in previous years about adding a strong upgrade at the center. A few years back Denver had tried for Mitch Morse but was unable to come to a deal as Morse headed to Buffalo. It becomes a moot point now with the addition of Cushenberry. The LSU center is slated as the starter right now.
With Denver taking Cushenberry in the third do the experts approve?
Lloyd Cushenberry compared center to playing point guard: “At center, you’re the head guy. You’re making all the calls”
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) April 25, 2020
Lloyd Cushenberry was awarded the "18'' jersey at LSU -- he wore a patch because he couldn't wear the jersey number -- an award named for former Broncos draft pick Matt Mauck who led the Tigers to a national championship in '03. Mauck is now Broncos team dentist.
— Jeff Legwold (@Jeff_Legwold) April 25, 2020
Home run pick for the Broncos with Lloyd Cushenberry at #83. Plug-and-play center. High IQ technician in pass pro. Plays with great balance and uses his length really well. Finisher in the run game with the athleticism to get to second level.
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) April 25, 2020
Grade: A+
Re: Elway's recent locker room comments.
— Jeffrey Essary (@JeffreyEssary) April 24, 2020
Josh Jones was a 4-year starter and team captain.
Lloyd Cushenberry was honored with the #18 by LSU this year, which is given to one or two players each year that exemplify being a model Tiger. First time an Olineman has won the award. https://t.co/QbKyaQV8zz
The Broncos select Lloyd Cushenberry!
— PFF DEN Broncos (@PFF_Broncos) April 25, 2020
In 2019, Cushenberry finished with a 61.1 grade, the lowest of his college career.
In 2018, Cushenberry finished with a grade of 77.1 and a pass blocking grade of 85.6
It is a surprise that Cushenberry fell to the 83rd selection in the draft. Denver sent some panic to the Broncos Country faithful whether or not he would be taken. Nonetheless, Denver took really good value at the 83rd pick with the second-best center on the board.
This will not rule out future offensive line in the draft upcoming on day three. Expect developmental tackle and maybe another interior lineman taken. Denver will look to build the trenches again.