How can the Broncos upset the Colts?

With the Broncos sitting at 2-5 as they prepare to face off against the Colts, I thought it the perfect time to reach out to Carter Donnick. An intern with the Draft Network and writer for SB Nation’s Colts coverage with Stampede Blue, he has insight into both the short and long view I’m sure many in Broncos Country are pondering today.

Our conversation has been lightly edited for clarity.

1st and 10

The Broncos and Colts are coming into this matchup from two different directions. I suspect few will bet on Denver to pull an upset this week, but how do you think they could pull it off?

Well, I have to be honest, the odds aren’t looking good for Denver. The Colts fell victim to a trap game against the Raiders a few weeks ago, and now with the team as healthy as it’s been all year, I highly doubt they’ll lose. However, if they do pull it off, it will come down to Miller and the D providing pressure on Jacoby Brissett. When he’s been under duress throughout his career, Brissett has struggled mightily, and it’s really the trait that separates him from some of the NFL’s best. Get him on the move and in uncomfortable situations and he could have a rough outing.

2nd and 8

With the way Flacco has looked, would you play Drew Lock once he’s able to return? What did you think of the Missouri passer coming out last year?

I was so-so on Lock coming out. The strengths were obvious - big arm, great velocity, rhythm thrower. But obviously he was very raw coming from a gimmicky system with a lot of inconsistent tendencies, specifically with his mechanics. For what it’s worth he looked great at the Senior Bowl (not exactly surprising) and I did prefer him to Daniel Jones. With Denver needing to exhaust all options at the QB position, I think if he’s healthy, you need to play him. I wouldn’t expect him to play great, nor should he, but you have to get all the possible information you can before deciding whether to take a passer like Tua Tagovailoa or Joe Burrow with a high selection.

3rd and 4

At present, what do you think Denver’s biggest needs are in the 2020 draft? Why?

I admittedly haven’t watched a ton of Denver tape this season, but a few immediate needs that stick out are at wideout and on the offensive line. With Emmanuel Sanders having just been traded, a speedy partner opposite of Courtland Sutton would be nice, and with Garrett Bolles struggling (and that might be putting it kindly), drafting a tackle - whether it be a high pick or just a developmental selection - is crucial.

4th and inches

Who are some of your favorite 2020 prospects that Broncos Country should wake up to before this spring?

At receiver two fast and agile options are Alabama’s Henry Ruggs and Penn State’s K.J. Hamler. Both are versatile players who are YAC monsters with the ability to take it the distance on any snap. I’d expect Ruggs to go Top 20 and Hamler within the first 60 selection come draft day.

Point After

With the Emmanuel Sanders trade bringing additional picks, I’m sure Broncos Country is interested in what may be the deepest positions in this upcoming class?

Thankfully for the team, and as mentioned above, the wideout group in this class is LOADED. With players like Jerry Jeudy, Ceedee Lamb, Ruggs, Hamler, Justin Jefferson, Tee Higgins, Jalen Reagor, Tylan Wallace, Tyler Johnson, and Laviska Shenault all likely available, you can pick any wideout you want. For a Denver team that needs one (or even two), this is very, VERY good news.