The Broncos’ WR room is crowded ahead of NFL Draft, but what if that changes?

Editor’s note: Third of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Monday: Quarterbacks. Tuesday: Running backs. Today: Wide receivers

Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed Lil’Jordan Humphrey and Marquez Callaway to one-year deals.

Under contract: Jerry Jeudy (2023 plus 2024 fifth-year option), Courtland Sutton (three years), Tim Patrick (two years), KJ Hamler (one year), Montrell Washington (three years), Kendall Hinton (one year), Jalen Virgil (two years), Brandon Johnson (two years), Humphrey, Callaway.

Need scale (1-10): 5. This number could trend upward quickly if Denver ends up trading Jeudy or Sutton in the next couple of weeks or on draft weekend. Outside of that, the Broncos return their top five from a year ago – Hamler’s health is a question mark – and have a pair of interesting second-year guys in Johnson and Virgil to go along with the new additions.

Top Five

1. Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Ohio State: After several loaded receiver classes in recent years, this is a lighter one. Smith-Njigba is the best bet to come off the board first despite having just five catches in an injury-impacted season last fall. He can do some of everything and is dynamite after the catch.

2. Jordan Addison, USC: Addison won the Biletnikoff Award in 2021 with Pitt, then transferred to the West Coast and was first-team All-Pac-12. Not the biggest receiver at 5-foot-11, 175 pounds, but can be an impact player in the slot or potentially outside.

3. Quentin Johnston, TCU: Different physical profile at 6-3, 208 pounds and a big-time athlete. Didn’t run at the Combine, but posted a 40.5-inch vertical. Back-to-back first-team All-Big 12 selection who averaged 19 per catch for his career.

4. Jalin Hyatt, Tennessee: A breakout 2022 season included 1,267 receiving yards, 16 touchdowns and the Biletnikoff Award. At 6-foot, 175 pounds, ran 4.40 seconds in the 40 at the Combine. A vertical threat, but will have to answer similar schematic questions to Vols QB Hendon Hooker after starring in Josh Heupel’s system.

5. Zay Flowers, Boston College: Another slot-type at 5-9, 182 pounds, Flowers had 1,077 yards and 12 touchdowns on 78 catches as a senior. Ran 4.42 at the Combine. If the Broncos ended up dealing a receiver, perhaps the move-up would include plans for a rookie with a profile like Flowers’.

Broncos’ Options

The Broncos only have five draft picks and don’t get to their first pair until the top of the third round. A look at five options for Denver. 

1. Tyler Scott, Cincinnati: The 5-10 blur has reportedly impressed in the pre-draft process and could be gone by the time the third round rolls around. He’s got a track background and ran 4.44 at the Combine. Scott had 899 yards and nine TDs on 54 catches in 2022 and could be a playmaker in a variety of ways in the NFL.

2. Jayden Reed, Michigan State: Reed’s numbers dipped in 2022 but he was a productive player in college and had 15 receiving touchdowns to go along with quality work as a punt and kick return man.

3. A.T. Perry, Wake Forest: A bigger receiver at 6-4, 198 pounds, Perry turned in a 4.47-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He posted two huge years at Wake Forest, accumulating 2,389 yards and 26 touchdowns since 2021. The Broncos have several bigger receivers, but if one is traded, Perry could be a replacement.

4. Trey Palmer, Nebraska: Palmer made the most of his year at Nebraska and has a very close relationship with Mickey Joseph, the brother of Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Palmer caught 71 passes for 1,043 yards and nine scores in 2022 and his 4.33-second 40 backs up his rep as a vertical and return game threat.

5. David Durden, West Florida: A Broncos top-30 visitor after not receiving a Combine invite and missing the Shrine Bowl with a wrist injury. Durden, 24, is listed at 6-2, 200 pounds and played minor league baseball in the Red Sox organization before starting his football career at Mercer. At 24, almost three years older than Scott. Averaged 21.7 per catch at the DII level over the past two years.

Thursday: Tight ends

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