Denver Broncos: Re-Drafting the 2020 NFL Draft Class

Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) sidesteps New York Jets cornerback Pierre Desir (35) after making a catch for a touchdown in the first half of a NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nfl Jets Broncos
Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (10) sidesteps New York Jets cornerback Pierre Desir (35) after making a catch for a touchdown in the first half of a NFL game at MetLife Stadium on Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford.Nfl Jets Broncos /
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Denver Broncos, Albert Okwuegbunam
Oct 18, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Denver Broncos tight end Albert Okwuegbunam (85) runs with the ball after a catch during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports /

Original 118th overall pick: Tight End Albert Okwuegbunam, University of Missouri

Re-do 118th overall pick: Tight End Albert Okwuegbunam, University of Missouri

Albert O, I would draft again every single time. His best football is ahead of him and is a massive target in the red zone, who current quarterback Drew Lock turned to often in those situations.

He looked brilliant when on the field, if he would have caught a few of the passes that were thrown his way, he would have had at least 3 more touchdowns in 2020. If fully recovered from a torn ACL last year, I would not be shocked to see Albert O with 6-8 touchdown receptions as tight end two.

That’s immense production.

Original 178th overall pick: Linebacker Justin Strnad, University of Wake Forest

Re-do 178th overall pick: Linebacker Justin Strnad, University of Wake Forest

Bronco fans really didn’t get to see much of Strnad last year, as he broke his wrist early on in training camp that ultimately ended his rookie campaign.

All things considered, based on what Fangio said about him, and how he looked early on, I have to trust the linebacker guru’s opinion, and would not change this pick. From listening to Broncos County Tonight during training camp last year, they certainly seemed impressed with his speed and coverage ability, something this team has lacked at the linebacker position for years.

Hopefully, Strnad can have a full recovery, and show off his athleticism in 2021.

Original 181st overall pick: Offensive Lineman Netane Muti, Fresno State University

Re-do 181st overall pick: Offensive Lineman Netane Muti, Fresno State University

Muti the monster, the man is strong.

In the sixth round of the draft, the Denver Broncos got a steal in the ultra-talented, yet often injured guard. If he had been consistently healthy during his time at Fresno State, he would have been worth a premium selection. One thing to keep an eye on with Muti, in 2022 he may be pressing for the starting right guard position, as Graham Glasgow’s hefty contract then becomes deplorable.

Original 252nd overall pick: Wide Receiver Tyrie Cleveland, University of Florida

Re-do 252nd overall pick: Wide Receiver Tyrie Cleveland, University of Florida

Second-year receiver, Tyrie Cleveland should see an increased role in the team’s plan this year either through special teams or snaps as DaeSean Hamilton could be moved here soon. He showed flashes of being the team’s potential wide receiver four in 2022, as Tim Patrick and DaeSean Hamilton are both expected to be playing elsewhere.

Original 254th overall pick: Outside Linebacker Derrek Tuszka, North Dakota State

Re-do 254th overall pick: Cornerback Essang Bassey, University of Wake Forest

With all of the day three picks, I believe the Broncos got exceptional value.

There was only one pick that I would change, and that was selecting Derrek Tuszka with the final pick. If this draft were to be done in hindsight, Bassey would need to be drafted in order to ensure he was a Denver Bronco.

While I don’t think he would necessarily be a premium pick, I do believe he showed enough to warrant being drafted, and Tuszka did not. Bassey looked like he could be the next Chris Harris Jr. for this team, as he excelled as an undrafted corner in the slot. I look forward to seeing his product on the field in 2021.