Behind Enemy Lines: Chargers at Broncos

Predominantly Orange: “Straight up, what do you think of Drew Lock?”

Bolt Beat: “I’ve said this to my friends who are Broncos fans since they drafted Lock; I think he is the guy. Seeing him start for five games only reinforces that feeling. It seems that they finally found their quarterback after going through quarterback purgatory for so long, and John Elway seems to be all-in too after the draft. My main concern for him out of Missouri was his inconsistency, but he looked well-coached in his five appearances, making good decisions and NFL throws.”

Predominantly Orange: “How would you grade the Broncos draft?”

Bolt Beat: “B+. The Broncos nailed the first three rounds of the draft, although I think they should have added a better cornerback earlier than Michael Ojemudia. I’m also not a fan of the Hamler pick, but he will keep defenses honest and open up space underneath for Jeudy and Sutton to work. They also got some solid players later like Netane Muti. It looks like Elway is finally getting it together, as he’s had a couple of consecutive solid drafts after a few years being one of the worst drafters in the league.”

Predominantly Orange: “Who is the pick you think will impact the most, short, and long term?”

Bolt Beat: “Short term, it’s gotta be Jeudy. He’s a massive upgrade over Tim Patrick and will stop Sutton from being double and triple covered consistently, as we saw after the Emmanuel Sanders trade. Long term, I like McTelvin Agim from Arkansas. He can play either defensive tackle or defensive end and will be a good rotational piece from year 1.”

Predominantly Orange: “What do you think is the strongest piece of the Broncos roster?”

Bolt Beat: “The pass rush. Von Miller showed signs of decline, but Bradley Chubb will be back. While the Broncos struggled to generate pressure last year, I expect that to improve. Even if it doesn’t, that pair has the potential to take over a game at any given Sunday.”

Predominantly Orange: “How would you rank the AFC West following the draft?”

Bolt Beat: “The Chiefs are comfortably at the top, and I expect the Chargers and Broncos to fight fiercely for 2nd place and a Wild Card spot. The Raiders won’t suck, but I don’t see them being able to compete with Denver and LA.”