Mel Kiper Jr. believes the Broncos will give quarterback Bo Nix another weapon in the draft.
In his latest mock draft, the ESPN analyst has Denver selecting Michigan tight end Colston Loveland with the No. 20 pick in the first round.
“Denver coach Sean Payton is looking for a ‘joker’ in his offense — someone who can play a few different roles as a playmaker. He had that in New Orleans with Alvin Kamara and Reggie Bush, but he hasn’t been able to find the right guy with the Broncos,” Kiper writes. “If you look at what Loveland has done at Michigan and his skill set, he could help fill that role. He has the ability to separate, and his 6-foot-5 frame makes it difficult for opponents to match up. Loveland would be quarterback Bo Nix’s best friend in the pass game.
“An added bonus: Denver picks two spots ahead of the division-rival Chargers, where Jim Harbaugh — Loveland’s former coach at Michigan — might be interested in selecting him. Payton could block Harbaugh and simultaneously boost his own offense in a big way.”
Loveland is currently ranked No. 13 on Kiper’s big board as the second best tight end available behind Penn State’s Tyler Warren.
The 6-foot-5, 245-pound Loveland had 56 catches for 582 yards and five touchdowns for the Wolverines last season. He would bolster a Broncos tight-end corps that combined for 51 catches, 483 yards and five touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Kiper has Colorado Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter landing at No. 3 to the Giants and Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders going to the Jets at No. 7.
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