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The Denver Broncos enter this NFL Draft on the verge of fantasy relevance once again. Established players like Melvin Gordon and Courtland Sutton should find their names getting called early on during drafts, but what about the up-and-comers like Drew Lock and Noah Fant? How can the NFL Draft help the expected fantasy values of these players? Let's find out in our latest edition of the NFL Draft 32 for 32 series.
The focus of this series is to dive into each NFL team's needs to project their draft picks in this year's draft, which will go on as planned in late April. I will predict the first three selections and give fantasy football owners perspective on how this affects fantasy value. Whether it be a positional player or players on the defensive side of the ball, all selections made can help in some way when it comes to fantasy scoring.
As we have seen in recent memory, some rookies can enter this league and make an immediate impact. Based on the appropriate landing spot, this year's crop of prospects has the potential to create some very fantasy-friendly situations. When you're done here, look back on our previous installments by checking the links at the bottom of this page.
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2019 Review
The 2019 Broncos were not the fantasy safe-haven that we have been accustomed to over the years. Joe Flacco was brought in as a stop-gap at QB as the team looked for a face of the franchise. By season's end, the may have found their guy in Drew Lock. In nearly half the games, Lock outperformed Flacco in all categories and most importantly made this Broncos offense look like more of a threat. He may not have been lighting things up from a statistical standpoint, but consistency was key. Seven touchdowns in five games played may not be what you're looking for from a fantasy standpoint, but the threat he provided opened things up for the running game.
Highly-touted receiver Courtland Sutton (WR19 in 2019) played well with Lock under center with two scores in those five games. But he failed to achieve more than 79 yards in those games or more than five catches. The two-game stretch to end the season by DaeSean Hamilton (11 catches for 130 yards and one score) is encouraging and could make him a player to target late in PPR formats.
The running game for the Broncos was mainly the product of Phillip Lindsay, who turned in another 1,000-yard season and finished as RB20 in fantasy. He was very consistent throughout most of the season and was a player that you could count on as a steady RB2 week in and week out. A player of his stature, you would think would utilize more speed in his running style, but Lindsay likes to grind out runs up the middle as much as the next guy. We saw Royce Freeman become less of a staple in the running attack last season, but he increased his reps as a pass-catcher, which was odd. He bested Lindsay in this department 43-35. Lindsay's six drops were among the league leaders and possibly led to less work in that area.
The Broncos offense in 2020 looks like it ready to take the next step. A little bit of seasoning for Drew Lock should be good for this passing attack, making him a lower-tier QB2 that could have some upside. The acquisition of Melvin Gordon gives this team a sure-fire duo of capable running backs. Gordon should be given the keys to the backfield and be treated like a potential bell-cow in drafts. He will be drafted as an upper-tier RB2 but his scoring potential could put him right back in the mix as an RB1. Lindsay, on the other hand, is losing some value now and could be looked at as an RB3 at best due to his lack of usage as a pass-catcher.
The previously-mentioned Sutton has all the makings as an emerging low-tier WR1 eventually, but he should continue to hold value as a strong WR2. A potential sleeper in this offense will be Noah Fant. He continues to improve and should easily outdo his three TDs from 2019 and is a player you can grab in drafts at a fair price.
As for the draft, the Broncos could go several different directions. The defense could certainly use some improvements at all levels. With Vonn Miller continuing to fight injuries and the departure of Chris Harris, there will be needs here. On the offensive side of things, another playmaker at receiver could help the progression of a young QB like Lock. Also helping would be the addition of more depth along the offensive line. Goes without saying that more protection can help Lock as he goes through his progressions.
Denver Broncos - 2020 Outlook
TEAM GRADES
Offense: 70.0 (22nd)
Defense: 83.8 (5th)
Overall: 83.8 (13th)
TEAM NEEDS
WR, OL, LB
First Selection (1.15)
Henry Ruggs, WR Alabama
The speedster out of Alabama, Ruggs, saw his draft stock soar after an impressive showing at the scouting combine. But he can also work all three levels of the field. With the ease that he releases off of the line, Ruggs can turn any simple slant into a big play. The play-making ability of Ruggs can add another wrinkle to this Broncos offense. Most defenses will not have the luxury to add a defender into the box with Ruggs able to break them open over the top.
He is a sure-handed player that can handle off-target throws, giving Lock a bigger window to operate in. He won't become the type of player to rack up targets in PPR formats, but the explosive potential makes him a threat on every play. Ruggs will be an early pick in dynasty formats, but also has some appeal as a WR3 in seasonal leagues in 2020. Look for Ruggs to become a popular play among DFS owners this coming year.
Second Selection (2.14)
Julian Okwara, LB Notre Dame
The long-limbed and athletic Okwara played most of his snaps in college as an edge rusher, but look for the Broncos to utilize him as a linebacker with pass-rushing abilities. He will be coming back from a broken leg, but as he fills out his frame, the production will come. He has the speed to get around the edge and his closing burst is among the best in the class.
He is somewhat one-dimensional with his rush and will need to develop more moves to keep offensive linemen guessing. His ability to play the run is subpar but can be worked on with coaching. All in all, Okwara projects out to be yet another strong edge rusher for this Broncos Defense that was in dire need of that a season ago.
Third Selection (3.13)
Yasir Durant, OT Missouri
For a team that was middle-of-the-road in both run and pass blocking a season ago, adding more depth along the line is key. Selecting Durant could be just what they need. He is a prospect that is beefy, wide, and long. He is more natural as a right tackle and could give Ja'Wuan James a run for his money as the starter. He is lacking somewhat as a run blocker, but his length and anchor strength as a pass protector are very appealing.
His flexibility to play anywhere along the line will allow the Broncos to play the most optimal offensive line. With the expectations that the Broncos offense could be vastly improved in 2020, having a plug-and-play lineman like Durant is a nice option to have.
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