The Denver Broncos followed up a great offseason with a solid draft. Elway and his crew made it clear that they needed to surround Drew Lock with weapons while also improving the offensive line and building depth defensively.
Round 1 Pick 21 – Jerry Jeudy| WR | Alabama
Grade: A
The Broncos got their guy, without trading up. It was rumored that the Broncos wanted to trade up with the Browns to get Jeudy but he fell into their laps at pick 15. The former Biletnikoff winner is the best route runner in this class and is the perfect compliment to Sutton. Jeudy can line up all over the field and the Broncos found a gem in him.
Round 2 Pick 46 – KJ Hamler | WR | Penn State
Grade: B-
The Broncos made it clear that they wanted to surround Lock with weapons, but I’ve rated this pick at a B- due to them passing up on bigger needs elsewhere. Hamler is fast and very hard to tackle in the open field. His burst off the line will be one of the best in the league. He will give Lock another solid target coming out of the slot while also opening up the field for Juedy and Sutton.
Round 3 Pick 77 – Michael Ojemudia | CB | Iowa
Grade: B-
He’s a great scheme fit for Vic Fangios defense and should start opposite of AJ Bouye. He wasn’t as consistent in college compared to other corners, but has the speed, size and great tackling ability to be a great corner.
Round 3 Pick 83 – Lloyd Cushenberry | C | LSU
Grade: A
The Broncos needed a center after the loss of McGovern and got their guy in the third round. Cushenberry is a great run blocker who has the athleticism to get into the second level. He fits their zone scheme perfectly and can play guard if needed.
Round 3 Pick 95 – McTelvin Agim | DT | Arkansas
Grade: B
Agim is an excellent athlete and showed promise as a pass rusher. He has great explosing of the LOS to be able to penetrate into the backfield. He should be a solid rotational player for the Broncos.
Round 4 Pick 118 – Albert Okwuegbunam | TE | Missouri
Grade: D
Even though Albert is the best athlete at the tight end position, he never produced at his time at Missouri. Denver already has a future star in Noah Fant and previously drafted tight end Jake Butt and this pick made no sense, given the depth at the position. Also with the likes of Thaddeus Moss and Hunter Bryant going undrafted, this pick looks worse.
Round 5 Pick 178 – Justin Strnad | LB | Wake Forest
Grade: A
Strnad is a playmaker. He had 225 tackles and four interceptions during his time at Wake Forest. He can match up with both running backs and tight ends and in a division with Kelce, Waller, Henry, Edwards Helaire and Ekeler, limiting mismatches in the passing game is essential.
Round 6 Pick 181 – Netane Muti | OG | Fresno State
Grade: B
Muti could be one of the steals of the draft, if healthy. He’s missed majority of the past two season with lower body injuries, causing his draft stock to plummet tremendously. However, he domianntes the LOS with his immense size and power and if healthy, could be a staple of this Broncos line.
Round 7 Pick 252 – Tyrle Cleveland | WR | Florida
Grade: B-
Clevelands has inconsistent hands and his route running isn’t the best, but he is fast and can be a camp body and help out on special teams if needed.
Round 7 Pick 254 – Derek Tuszka | EDGE | North Dakota State
Grade: B-
Tuszka may not be the strongest or most athletic, but he is technically sound. With the help of players like Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, Tuszka could develop into a nice rotational player when the season starts
BRONCOS DRAFT GRADE: A-
The Broncos had one of the best draft classes. They gave Lock the best receiver in the draft and a speedy slot receiver to help compliment Sutton and open up the field for both of them. They beefed up their interior offensive line while also getting a cornerback who can be great with the right coaching. Their tight end pick was poor as it was a reach and wasn’t a need, but the overall draft was solid. The Broncos could be a sleeper team to make the playoffs next season, but their fate is in Drew Lock’s hands and how he devoloped from last season till now.