3 First-Round Picks the Broncos Can Target to Build Around Drew Lock

Drew Lock's impressive play has been a bright spot in what was otherwise as underwhelming season for the Denver Broncos. He started the last five games of the season for Denver, leading the team to an impressive 4-1 finish.

While Lock's numbers won't blow you away, he showed poise well beyond his years, and there's certainly reason to believe he's the quarterback of the future in Denver. That being said, this Broncos team isn't without its flaws, and Denver will likely need to make some upgrades if they hope to maximize Lock's talent.

With the No. 15 pick, let's take a look at three prospects the Broncos can target in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

1. Henry Ruggs III, Wide Receiver, Alabama

Henry Ruggs III had 746 receiving yards and seven touchdowns this season. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Henry Ruggs III is one of the most dynamic receivers in this year's stacked crop of wideouts. He's likely to be a mid-first-round pick (if he declares for the draft), and he'd be an excellent sidekick to Denver's No. 1 wideout Courtland Sutton. With Ruggs' ability to take the top off the defense (18.6 yards per reception, No. 25 in the NCAA), Sutton's dominance as a possession receiver, and some development from Noah Fant, Denver would suddenly have a dangerous skill-position group.

2. Alex Leatherwood, Offensive Lineman, Alabama

Alex Leatherwood protects the passer in Alabama's annual Spring Game. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Another Alabama product, Alex Leatherwood could instantly upgrade an underwhelming Denver offensive line. Although the Broncos' passers were sacked on 7.5 percent of their drop backs in 2019, which is the ninth-worst rate in the league. Leatherwood is versatile enough to fit at both guard and tackle, and he'd be a sound pick for Denver in the first round. He has yet to decide whether he will enter the draft or return to Alabama next season, but if he does go pro, the Broncos are certainly a potential landing spot.

3. Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

Tee Higgins had four catches for 33 yards against Ohio State. / Norm Hall/Getty Images

Tee Higgins is another wideout, but he's a much different player than Ruggs. With a 6-foot-4-inch frame, Higgins is a big-bodied receiver who has a similar style to Sutton. And pairing him with Sutton could be quite the conundrum for opposing defenses. Sutton (6' 4"), Fant (6' 4") and Higgins could be a dangerous trio, particularly in the red zone, and they'd likely make Lock's life quite a bit easier.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.

Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.