ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — We’re another week closer to the NFL Draft, and that’s where Broncos Country’s attention remains.
In this edition of “Ask Aric,” I again dive into your draft-related questions and also take a stab at projecting next year’s win-loss record.
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Is there a dominant player in this year’s 2020 Draft, that John Elway could move up to pick, that could blow Broncos Country away, bring the team to a whole new level, and turn John Elway into an even bigger HERO off the field than he was on the field? – @BigKidRook
That would have to be quite the selection to outweigh his five Super Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl wins. If I’m trying to identify a player that would make the biggest impact, though, I’d turn toward Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons. The potential top-five pick can play linebacker, safety, slot corner, outside corner and edge rusher — and he earned all sorts of awards during his final collegiate season. The Butkus Award winner and ACC Defensive Player of the Year would be a bit of a luxury pick, as the Broncos’ need at wide receiver is greater than for a Swiss Army Knife-type player. With Simmons, though, Denver could boast the league’s top defense and finally have a way to stop Travis Kelce. If he starts to fall down the board and is available at the eighth-overall pick or so, I’d certainly inquire what it would take to move up.
I also don’t think it’s out of the realm of possibility that the Broncos would trade up for a CeeDee Lamb, Jerry Jeudy or Henry Ruggs III. If any of those players pan out the way they’re projected, the Broncos could have one of the league’s best receiving duos with Sutton and the rookie.
I think LSU’s Justin Jefferson will ultimately be the best wide receiver in this draft class. Do you think he would pair well with Sutton and what the Broncos want to do on offense? – James U.
Jefferson hasn’t often been mentioned among the likes of Lamb, Jeudy and Ruggs III, but he’s still a talented option. He tied for the FBS lead in receptions in 2019 and finished second in the nation in receiving touchdowns. A 6-foot-1, 202-pound receiver with 4.43-second 40-yard dash speed, Jefferson seems set to excel as a slot receiver. If the Broncos wanted to put Sutton and Tim Patrick on the outside and slide Jefferson in the slot, they could line up in three-receiver sets where Sutton and Jefferson were on the same side to put pressure on the defense. With Noah Fant also in the equation, the Broncos’ offense would take a step forward. As NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah pointed out, the fit could be good for Denver. Jefferson had the most red-zone touchdowns of any draft-eligible receiver, and the Broncos ranked 28th in the league in the red zone last season. Jefferson also thrived on third down.
The question, to me, is about value. Would the Broncos be better served to trade down if they want a player like Jefferson and the top three receivers are off the board? That seems like the smart choice, as you would also be able to pick up an additional pick or two.