The 2020 Senior Bowl takes place this Saturday and while college All-Star games are far from the most interesting things, for a football junkie, it gives some insight into which players might be great at the professional level.
For fans of the Denver Broncos, a team with multiple needs in order to improve the team, this game will be chock-full of players to keep an eye on.
Who knows, one or more of these guys could be wearing blue and orange in the near future.
1. Leki Fotu, defensive tackle, Utah (North team)
Fotu stands 6-5 and comes in at over 320 pounds, making him an imposing force in the middle of any defensive line. He is stout against the run but is likely only a two-down defender.
If the Broncos were to lose a player like Shelby Harris to free agency, a guy like Fotu would be an option in the draft to help add depth to a defensive line that is going to need some work this offseason.
2. Malik Harrison, linebacker, Ohio State (North team)
The Broncos could shoot to upgrade the inside linebacker position this offseason and Harrison would do that.
The linebacker from Ohio State should be a starter at the next level as he is a thumper when making tackles and a hammer against the run. With some coaching, he can acquire better skills to defend the pass to be a true three-down player.
3. Troy Pride, cornerback, Notre Dame (North team)
The Broncos will need to add to the cornerback group this offseason whether Chris Harris goes somewhere else or not. Pride is one of the more versatile corners in the Senior Bowl and should certainly get some attention from the Broncos.
Pride had four interceptions and 18 pass deflections in his career at Notre Dame.
4. Michael Pittman, WR, USC (North team)
Pittman isn’t the flashiest or the quickest wide receivers in this year’s draft class, but he possesses desirable size at 6-4, 220 pounds.
He was a finalist for the Biletnikoff Award as a senior, given to the best wide receiver in college football, after catching 101 passes for 1,275 yards and 11 touchdowns. Those would be great numbers in a 16-game NFL season and he posted those in a shorter college season.
His father, Michael, is a former NFL running back who spent one season with the Broncos in 2008.
5. Denzel Mims, wide receiver, Baylor (North team)
The wide receiver position is the most stacked position in the draft by a good margin. After all the big names come off the board, teams will be looking for a hidden gem and that guy could definitely be Mims.
The Baylor wide receiver has elite speed and tremendous athleticism. He makes the tough catches and can leave defensive backs in the dust on deep routes.
The team that takes Mims is going to get a steal.
6. Robert Windsor, defensive tackle, Penn State (South team)
Windsor is a relentless defender who plays until the whistle on every play. He is solid against the run and probably offers a little more in the way of a pass rush than Fotu.
His size will be a concern as he is one of the leaner defensive tackles in this draft but his effort will be appreciated by teams with a real interest in him.
7. Braden Mann, punter, Texas A&M (South team)
Watching a punter boot the ball is far from entertaining, but a good punter that can flip the field is a strength for any team and frankly, the Broncos can use a new punter because Colby Wadman leaves much to be desired.
Mann is a guy the Broncos could likely sign as an undrafted free agent following the draft but he would have a chance to beat Wadman out in training camp.
In 2018, Mann won the Ray Guy Award, given to the nation’s best punter. That season, he also set an NCAA single-season record by averaging 50.98 yards per punt.
8. Brandon Aiyuk, wide receiver, Arizona State (South team)
If you’re looking for an exciting player, one who could completely show out and take over a game like this, look no further than Aiyuk.
The Arizona State wide receiver had a huge senior season, reeling in 65 passes for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns.
He’s not the biggest guy, but he runs tight, crisp routes and has game-breaking speed. He’s the kind of wide receiver that can catch a seven-yard slant and take it 80 yards for a touchdown.
Every team looking for a wide receiver on Day 2 of the draft should have this guy high on their board, but they better act quick, because he could even sneak into the first round.
