Reports this week have suggested Denver Broncos are looking to trade up in the first round of the NFL 2020 Draft to ensure they can select their first choice wide receiver.
The talk is that they will either jump to number ten, trading with the Browns, or jump up to eight, trading with the Cardinals.
There was some talk that the jump was to give them the best chance of selecting one of the top offensive line talents, such as Mekhi Becton.
However, more recent reports tell us that the Broncos are actually looking to ensure they’re in the best position they can be to select Alabama receiver Jerry Jeudy.
At 15, there’s no guarantee the Broncos will be able to pick up one of the touted top three receivers in Ceedee Lamb, Henry Ruggs III or Jeudy – so a trade could be necessary.
At the moment, there are four teams directly above Denver who all have a need for receivers.
At 10, you have the Cleveland Browns who, on the face of it are set, but rumours suggest they’re trying to move on from Odell Beckham Jr – putting them into the mix.
At 11, the New York Jets have a need for a receiver but also have some serious o-line concerns so could look to prioritise that instead and take somebody like Andrew Thomas.
At 12 comes the Las Vegas Raiders. Their receiving corp is weak at best so it seems almost nailed on that they will take one of the top three.
At 13 come the San Francisco 49ers who, since trading away Emmanuel Sanders, also have a need for WR’s but, like the Jets, could opt to strengthen their o-line if the right player is available.
Also, Denver need to be wary of the Arizona Cardinals at eight, Cards GM Steve Kein didn’t rule out selecting a WR so the Broncos may even need to jump up to eight to get their top target, Jeudy.
There isn’t much talk of the Buccaneers looking at a receiver at 14 and then, we come to Denver Broncos at 15. If even three of the teams mentioned take a receiver, GM John Elway is left looking around a little.
In that situation, the likelihood for me is that they will look to trade down into early twenties and look to take either Houston OT Josh Jones or ‘Bama safety Xavier McKinney.
They’ll then look to take one of the other receivers, who aren’t a million miles behind the top three, such as Denzel Mims, Laviska Shenult Jr or Justin Jefferson (should he fall that far) in the second.
Fortunately for the Broncos, this is arguably one of the best ever wide receiver classes so they shouldn’t struggle to get somebody – be it in the first or second round.
However, Elway seems to have his eye on Jerry Jeudy so, don’t be surprised if you see Denver trade up to select him.
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