Editor’s note: This is the third in a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Previous previews: Quarterbacks and running backs. Today: Wide receivers
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed Josh Reynolds (two years), re-signed Lil’Jordan Humphrey (one year), traded Jerry Jeudy to Browns.
Under contract: Courtland Sutton (two years), Tim Patrick (one year), Humphrey, Reynolds, Marvin Mims Jr. (three years), Philip Dorsett (one year), Michael Bandy (one year), Brandon Johnson (one year), Jalen Virgil (one year), David Sills V (one year).
Need scale: 6. The signing of Reynolds made this position less of a need than before. Still, Patrick is coming off a torn Achilles, Mims is unproven and Sutton’s future in Denver past 2024 is in question. The draft is deep at wide receiver, and if the Broncos have a chance to land an upgrade, it wouldn’t be surprising if they did.
Top Five
1. Marvin Harrison Jr., Ohio State: Harrison might have been the top wide receiver in last year’s draft if he was eligible. The two-year starter is a big target with impressive ball skills. The son of 8-time Pro Bowler Marvin Harrison, he was a Heisman finalist in 2023 after he caught 67 passes for 1,211 yards and 14 touchdowns. It’s unlikely he falls outside the top five.
2. Malik Nabers, LSU: Nabers could be the next big receiver to come out of LSU. He topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of his final two seasons, including a breakout 2023 that saw him haul in 14 touchdowns and finish second in the nation in receiving yards (1,569).
3. Rome Odunze, Washington: Like Harrison and Nabers, Odunze has the potential to be a Year 1 starter. The 6-foot-3, 200-pound pass catcher’s blend of size, speed, strength and agility is unique. He played a major role in the Huskies reaching the national title game and led the country in receiving yards with 1,640.
4. Brian Thomas Jr., LSU: After recording a combined 720 receiving yards in his first two seasons with the Tigers, Thomas exploded for 1,177 and led the nation with 17 touchdown catches in 2023. He topped 100 receiving yards in six games.
5. Adonai Mitchell, Texas: Mitchell spent two seasons in Georgia before transferring to Texas, where he had 845 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns in 2023. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.34 seconds — one of many reasons he could get drafted late in the first round.
Other Broncos options
The Broncos have eight picks total but no second-rounder. Their first selection is No. 12, then No. 76 in the third round and six Day 3 selections. A look at options spanning Round 1 to the back of the draft.
1. Roman Wilson, Michigan: Wilson could get drafted as high as the second round after an impressive Senior Bowl performance. As a senior, he recorded 789 receiving yards and 12 touchdowns. He also averaged 16.4 yards after the catch. He played 206 snaps in the slot and 94 on the outside, according to Pro Football Focus.
2. Jermaine Burton, Alabama: Burton spent two seasons with the Crimson Tide, totaling 1,475 receiving yards and 15 touchdowns. He has good acceleration, with the potential of being a deep ball threat after he averaged 20.5 yards per catch and had seven receptions for at least 40 yards.
3. Malik Washington, Virginia: Washington transferred to Virginia from Northwestern in 2023 and thrived. Working primarily in the slot, he caught 110 passes for 1,426 yards and nine touchdowns. Washington recorded at least 100 receiving yards in 10 of 12 games.
4. Javon Baker, UCF: Baker is a Day 3 option with the potential of developing into a starter. He spent two years at Alabama before transferring to UCF, where his production spiked (1,139 receiving yards, seven touchdowns on 52 catches) in 2023.
5. Luke McCaffrey, Rice: A quarterback-turned-receiver, McCaffrey hopes to continue his family legacy. His brother, Christian, is a star running back for the San Francisco 49ers, while his dad, Ed, spent nine seasons as a wide receiver for the Broncos, helping the team win two Super Bowls. McCaffrey had his best season as a pass catcher in 2023, totaling 992 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns.
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