The Denver Broncos head into the 2023 NFL Draft needing more depth in the wide receiver room. Jerry Jeudy leads the room for Sean Payton and the Broncos as there is uncertainty with the other wide receivers. Courtland Sutton is a prime trade target Denver can utilize to accumulate draft picks and KJ Hamler has not lived up to expectations. Sutton didn't have a great year and getting a couple of draft picks for him might be the right decision for the organization.
There are a lot of trade targets the Broncos can pursue to add to the room but the 2023 draft class is deep in the position. As of now, the Broncos don't have a pick until the third round, but there are still very talented players in the sweet spot (rounds 3-6) of the draft. Here are five wide receiver targets for the Denver Broncos in the 2023 NFL Draft.
Jalin Hyatt - Tennessee Volunteers
Standing at 6'1 and 180 pounds, Jalin Hyatt remains one of the best wide receivers in the draft. For some odd reason, Hyatt is not projected to be selected in the first two rounds in multiple mock drafts. The talent is unreal and if he drops to where the Broncos will be drafting, Denver should pull the trigger and select Hyatt.
Hyatt won the 2022 Biletnikoff award and had a tremendous year for Tennessee. He hauled in 67 receptions for 1,267 yards and 15 touchdowns. Hyatt is a great vertical threat and thrives in the slot. He has great size as well and Payton can maximize Hyatt's potential within his offense. Being a speedy receiver helps tremendously as Hyatt and Jeudy would play off each other effectively.
If the Broncos trade for someone like Brandin Cooks, Deandre Hopkins, or Allen Robinson, the WR room with one of those three, Jeudy, Hyatt, Tim Patrick, and KJ Hamler will be looking really good going into the season.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 4.4
- 10-Yard Split - 1.5
- Vertical Jump - 40"
- Broad Jump - 11' 3"
Rashee Rice - SMU
A prospect that seems like the ideal fit for Sean Payton and the Broncos is the senior out of SMU, Rashee Rice. The 6'2 wide receiver has everything a coach would be looking for in a player. The physical traits are there and the tape is outstanding.
Rice has excellent ball skills and led the country in deep catches with 18. He recorded 96 receptions for 1,344 yards and ten touchdowns. Rice had one of the best PFF grades out of all the wide receivers in college (take the PFF grading scale for how you will) and is great at getting behind the defense. Rice excels in zone coverage and having such great body control is a big factor in why he is so successful on the field.
It is reported that the Denver Broncos met with Rice at the combine for an interview. Maybe that is an indication of what is to come for Rice but nonetheless, Rice would be a great fit alongside Jeudy and the WR room.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 4.51
- 10 Yard-Split - 1.49
- Vertical Jump - 41"
- Broad Jump - 10' 8"
Xavier Hutchinson - Iowa State Cyclones
Another physically talented wide receiver that would mold well in Denver is Xavier Hutchinson. The 6'3", 205 lbs redshirt senior had an excellent season at Iowa State. Hutchinson had 107 receptions for 1,171 yards and six touchdowns.
Not only is Hutchinson a great pass catcher, but he also excels in the run game. His big body and frame make him very effective as a run blocker. In addition, he can improve on jump balls and win the "50/50" ball. Learning from a veteran wide receiver like Tim Patrick may pave the way for him to become a successful receiver in the NFL. Payton can utilize Hutchinson in multiple ways and is a late-round pick to watch for the Broncos.
Combine Results
- 40-Yard Dash - 4.53
- 10 Yard-Split - 1.55
- Vertical Jump - 36"
- Broad Jump - 9' 8"
Trey Palmer - Nebraska Cornhuskers
Trey Palmer is one of the most underrated prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft. The 6'1" wide receiver had a great year and will be available for Payton and the Broncos to draft. Palmer recorded 71 receptions for 1,043 yards and nine touchdowns. He has similar traits to current Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy but can still improve in other areas of his game.
Palmer could be a phenomenal fit for Payton and his offense in Denver. Between the deep threat, route running, and natural skill he possesses, Palmer adds unique talent to a WR room that desperately needs it.
Combine Results
- 40- Yard Dash - 4.33
- 10- Yard Split - 1.51
Jake Bobo - UCLA Bruins
When the Denver Broncos are in the deep parts of the draft (rounds six and seven), Jake Bobo is someone that can be that hidden gem. The 6'5" senior from UCLA has tremendous potential. His physical traits are unique, and with an offensive guru like Payton, Bobo can become a mismatch on offense for opposing defenses.
Bobo recorded 57 receptions for 817 yards and seven touchdowns. With the ties George Paton has at UCLA, it would not surprise me if Bobo becomes a Bronco in the later parts of the draft. He is a low-risk, high-reward player that can become a great depth WR in Denver.
Combine Results
- Did Not Participate