Denver Broncos 2020 mock draft: 11 picks to build roster depth

DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 01: Former and current Denver Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Lock chat during a time out between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on March 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - MARCH 01: Former and current Denver Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Lock chat during a time out between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on March 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos, 2020 NFL Draft
DENVER, COLORADO – MARCH 01: Former and current Denver Broncos quarterbacks Peyton Manning and Drew Lock chat during a time out between the Toronto Raptors and the Denver Nuggets in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center on March 01, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. ( (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

The Denver Broncos have plenty of cap space and 11 picks to work with in the 2020 NFL Draft. How can they build a deep roster?

Not since Peyton Manning was signed in 2012 have Denver Broncos fans had such a rising level of optimism about the state of the franchise.

When Manning was initially signed, Broncos Country mostly operated with ‘cautious’ optimism because of Manning’s many neck procedures at the time. His health was anything but a certainty.

Heading into the 2020 offseason, eight years later, Broncos Country again awaits the moves of John Elway and the front office with cautious optimism thanks to the last month-plus of the 2019 season when the team was led by Drew Lock.

The Broncos won four of their last five games with Lock at the helm, the only loss coming in a snowy mess on the road against the eventual Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs.

Lock showed well in his five game audition, and now the Broncos have to be thrilled that, for the first time since Manning retired after the 2015 season, they don’t have to worry about the quarterback position.

Even with Lock in the fold and former Pro Bowl cornerback AJ Bouye acquired via trade (which won’t be finalized until March 18) the Broncos have a variety of needs, specifically on the offensive and defensive lines, at wide receiver, linebacker, and potentially more at cornerback.

The Broncos will not scoff at the chance to make their roster better with the 11 selections they have in the 2020 Draft after being awarded three compensatory picks (one in the fifth round, two in the seventh).

How will the Broncos address their biggest needs and need for depth all around?

Let’s play around with their 11 picks using The Draft Network’s mock draft machine.