Denver Broncos 2020 NFL Draft first round targets

Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

A second linebacker prospect for Denver to keep an eye on outside of Isaiah Simmons is Oklahoma linebacker Kenneth Murray. More conventional than Simmons with a comparable playstyle, Murray excels at playing the ball from hash-to-hash in coverage as well as run support and can play hook zones across the short middle of the field.

Murray is one of the most explosive athletes in the class, able to keep up with mismatches in man-to-man coverage. In the pass rush, Murray is not polished but capable of using his elite first step as well as hip-bend to blow by the outside shoulder of opposing offensive tackles.

Denver has never had an elite athlete in the middle of their defense, but have instead opted for more consistent fixtures who can contribute in run support and simple pass coverage, but lack the same kind of athleticism Murray brings to the table.

The modern NFL thrives on athleticism, and Murray can match up and dominate from one of the most important positions on defense. Alongside Von Miller and Bradley Chubb, Denver would have a top linebacking unit and an interior linebacker who can compete for the top spot in the league in tackles from year one.