3 Broncos Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2020

Jerry Jeudy attempting to make a catch during his time at Alabama
Jerry Jeudy attempting to make a catch during his time at Alabama / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

While Denver has missed the playoffs every year since winning Super Bowl 50, the expectation is to snap that streak in 2020. Front office boss John Elway believes he has a true starting quarterback in Drew Lock, and is starting to put pieces in place around him. In the 2020 NFL Draft, Elway drafted a few players that could make an immediate impact. With that in mind, let's identify three Broncos that players that could contend for Rookie of the Year honors.

3. OL Lloyd Cushenberry

Lloyd Cushenberry (79) celebrating with Joe Burrow at LSU
Lloyd Cushenberry (79) celebrating with Joe Burrow at LSU / Gregory Shamus/Getty Images

Center Lloyd Cushenberry anchored a 2019 LSU Tigers offensive line that cleared the way for Heisman winner Joe Burrow every Saturday and won a national championship. In 2020, he will be expected to do the same for Lock on Sundays. His combination of power and speed make him a reliable operator that could also open up running lanes for running backs Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon. If Cushenberry starts from day one, he could contend for ROY.

2. DL McTelvin Agim

McTelvin Agim at the Reese's Senior Bowl
McTelvin Agim at the Reese's Senior Bowl / Don Juan Moore/Getty Images

Von Miller and Bradley Chubb cannot be the only players on Denver’s defense that put pressure on the quarterback. With the loss of Derek Wolfe and Adam Gotsis via free agency, McTelvin Agim is expected to help the interior of the defense. With more attention being paid to Miller and Chubb, this will open up pass rushing opportunities for Agim, who can also play the run on early downs.

1. WR Jerry Jeudy

Jerry Jeudy scoring a touchdown against Arkansas
Jerry Jeudy scoring a touchdown against Arkansas / Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images

Lock was in need of another receiving target that could make plays similar to wide receiver Courland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant. On draft night, Denver picked up a steal in Jerry Jeudy of Alabama, arguably the best skill player in the class. A pristine route runner that can also take the top off of the defense, he can fill in opposite of Sutton or play in the slot. If Jeudy meets expectations, expect his name to be at the top of the ROY discussion.