Broncos 2020 NFL Draft top three team needs
By Jason Truitt
2. Cornerback
What happens to Chris Harris Jr.?
That question will perhaps be the most prevalent this offseason for the Denver Broncos. Harris has long been the backbone of the Broncos defensive back squad and would be surreal to see on another team. He proved to be versatile this year, performing in HC Vic Fangio’s more zone-heavy scheme, something Harris has been unfamiliar to throughout his career.
According to PFF, Harris excelled in the run game this year, earning himself a run defense grade of 82.8 — third-best among all cornerbacks in NFL. He still is a Pro Bowl-caliber player.
Even if the Harris stays put in Denver, the Broncos still have to find the guy opposing Harris’ side. Isaac Yiadom and Davontae Harris have proven not to be the ones as they both struggled last year. Both of them completed the 2019 season with under 55.0 overall PFF grades. I feel that this group for the Denver Broncos possesses a lot of potential and just need one more playmaker in the mix. They finished just outside the top 10in pass defense last year but did have a hard time creating turnovers through the air, ranking 25th in interceptions.
If the Denver Broncos implemented the correct changes and additions this offseason to the defensive backs, then this unit could become one of the top in the league.
Luckily, the defensive backfield seems to be set with Justin Simmons and Kareem Jackson solidifying themselves as one of, if not, the best safety tandems in the NFL last season. Even if Harris was to stay, the Denver Broncos should still consider going high on a cornerback in the 2020 NFL Draft.