Why are the Broncos looking at potential first-round wide receiver?

The Denver Broncos shocked the draft world when they went back-to-back wide receivers in rounds one and two of the 2020 NFL Draft. With Jerry Jeudy in the first round and K.J. Hamler in the second round, it seemed like the Broncos were more than set at the position for years to come.

So, when news came out about the team showing interest in a potential first-round receiver in the 2021 NFL Draft, it was a bit surprising at initial glance. Why would the team want another receiver, especially one they would be lucky to get with their pick in the second round?

Of all the positions this team needs help with – and those positions are numerous – wide receiver would not be near the top of the list, or even on the list of most draft analysts. On Thursday, we found out that was not the case with the Broncos.

Purdue wide receiver Rondale Moore recently had virtual meetings with the Seattle Seahawks, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints, Denver Broncos, Indianapolis Colts, New England Patriots, Jacksonville Jaguars, New York Jets, Washington Football Team and Los Angeles Chargers. He is also scheduled to meet with the Tennessee Titans and Green Bay Packers.

Purdue WR Rondale Moore has had a virtual meeting with the #Broncos per @JustinM_NFL – #NFLDraft – one of the most explosive/electric WRs in this class. Injuries are a concern, and he's seen as a late first or early second-round pick at this time. @1043TheFan https://t.co/0cJNM8kftO

— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) February 25, 2021

Why would the Broncos be looking at Moore? Let’s take a look.

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Not Just a WR

Moore is one of the most dangerous playmakers in college football when healthy. He splashed onto the college football scene a few years ago and quickly made a name for himself as a player to keep an eye on.

He was a first-team All-American as a true freshman in 2018, catching 114 passes for 1,258 yards and 12 touchdowns. He was limited by an injury to four games as a sophomore, hauling in 29 passes for 387 yards and two touchdowns. In 2020, Moore initially opted out due to COVID-19, but then he decided to opt back in. He played just three games, catching 35 passes for 270 yards.

Hamstring and knee problems were the reasons why he only played seven games over the last two seasons. If he can stay healthy, Moore is one of the most electrifying receivers in this draft class. He’s a smaller receiver at 180 pounds, but Moore is really tough and not afraid to take a hit, whether it’s as a receiver or as a return man. His speed, quickness and ability to make defenders look silly comes in handy after the catch or when the team is in need of a big play on special teams.

The Broncos need help when it comes to the return game and having more playmakers – regardless of position designation – is nothing but a good thing.

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Not Everybody Stays

There’s a chance the Broncos are going to be able to trade for a real franchise quarterback this offseason and if that happens the package could include a wide receiver. The rumblings around Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson are that it might take multiple high draft picks and a couple of starting players in order to make the deal happen.

The Texans are unlikely to franchise tag wide receiver Will Fuller. Even though they want to keep him, we should see him move on in free agency this offseason.

That means a starting-caliber wide receiver could be in the mix if the team is able to pull off a trade for Watson. Not only do the Broncos have Jeudy and Hamler, but they have 2018 second-round pick Courtland Sutton, who looked like a rising star in the league before going down early in 2020 with a knee injury. Sutton was on the verge of a breakout season in 2020, and he’s been working hard to get back to form for the 2021 season.

He is a big-bodied receiver who makes his quarterback look better. Even when passes are off the mark, Sutton has the athleticism to go make a play on the ball. Sutton is always open if a quarterback is bold enough to throw it up to the sky and let the big man come down with it. He’s currently the best receiver on the roster, and Sutton is in the final year of his contract in 2021. When the team drafted Jeudy – and then drafted Hamler – it was an indication that they might let Sutton go when his contract is due. Rather than lose him in free agency in 2022, the team might be able to deal him – or one of the other receivers – to sweeten a deal for a much-needed upgrade at quarterback.

1% better every day. 🔋 pic.twitter.com/0laqrW9LeV

— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) February 24, 2021

I really like the wide receiver room the way it is now, and I certainly don’t want Sutton – one of my favorite Broncos players – to be traded away.

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Due Diligence

The most likely reason they had a Zoom meeting with Moore is simply due diligence. This offseason is going to be much different from last year due to the pandemic. In 2020, we still had all the all-star games, the Scouting Combine and quite a few pro days in early March. This year, most all-star games were cancelled, the Combine was cancelled and there are no pro days.

These virtual meetings are going to be commonplace this offseason. Teams don’t have to travel anywhere, so setting up a time to meet with more prospects just makes sense.

Senior Bowl director, former scout and ESPN draft analyst Jim Nagy revealed earlier this month that all teams are going to be talking to most all prospects in this interesting offseason.

Before all the reports of “Player X virtually met with Team Y”, let it be known that all 32 teams will have Zoom interviews with every player with a draftable grade (and most PFAs) on their board between now and April 29. These interviews are not newsworthy.

— Jim Nagy (@JimNagy_SB) February 16, 2021

I’m glad the new regime is looking everywhere for help. Moore is an exciting player, and the Broncos need to at least check in with him as resting on their laurels is never a good idea. I highly doubt the Broncos select Moore – or any wide receiver – with a premium pick (first or second round) in the 2021 NFL Draft.

However, I am glad they are leaving no stone unturned when it comes to improving the roster.

Follow @CecilLammey