In his 2020 NFL mock draft 2.0, ESPN’s Mel Kiper has the Denver Broncos selecting Houston offensive tackle Josh Jones with the 15th overall pick in the first round (subscription required for link).
This marks a change from Kiper’s first mock draft, which had Denver selecting Alabama Henry Ruggs. Kiper now has Ruggs falling all the way down to the Bills at No. 22. He has fellow Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy going to the Raiders at No. 12 and Oklahoma WR CeeDee Lamb going to the Jets at No. 11.
Kiper believes that it’s time for Denver to bench left tackle Garett Bolles and replace him with a player like Jones. Kiper says Jones has the potential to become an All-Pro left tackle but it’s hard to imagine the Broncos moving on from Bolles in 2020.
Bolles has struggled with penalties but Denver’s staff has praised his ability to stay healthy and dress for every game. Bolles might not be the team’s long-term answer at left tackle but he’ll probably be a starter next season. That’s just my opinion though — a player like Jones would certainly be an upgrade.
Todd McShay, Kiper’s ESPN colleague, has the Broncos selecting Lamb in his most recent mock draft. Many mock drafts have the team selecting a wide receiver in the first round but there’s no denying that the offensive line also needs to be addressed this offseason.
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