Sean Payton Hints at a 'Big' Role for Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy
The Denver Broncos are gearing up for their three-day mandatory minicamp, and then, it's the long march through the six-week NFL summer. At the end of that slog, in late July, training camp arrives.
As the Broncos report to Centura Health Training Center for Tuesday's minicamp, one player whose profile has been elevated this offseason is wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. After finishing the 2022 campaign by totaling 37 receptions for 523 yards and three touchdowns in the final six games, Jeudy landed a fifth-year option from the Broncos and has appeared on many of the 'breakout players' lists this offseason.
Another reason for Jeudy optimism around Broncos Country is the arrival of head coach Sean Payton and his offensive acumen. Having spent all of OTAs with Jeudy, seeing how he works, how he learns, and, of course, how he looked out on the grass, Payton shared his impressions of the fourth-year wideout last week.
“He’s explosive. I remember him coming out and certainly seeing film of him playing," Payton said of Jeudy last Thursday. "Now, having a chance to work directly with him, he’s very explosive. He’s got extremely loose hips, which allows him to transition well."
Fans often hear about Jeudy's prowess as a route runner. Along with his speed and explosiveness, Jeudy's mastery of the route tree definitely sets him apart, and Payton touched on some of those finer details.
"There’re the nuances of the game, relative to landmarks, and the exactness of the passing game. All of those things, he’s been really eager to learn," Payton said of Jeudy. "I enjoy working with him. I told him, ‘Hey, I’m going to be on you and we’re going to get the most out of you.’"
Payton will ride Jeudy because he knows what caliber of player he can become. There are a few wrinkles to his game, including his technique catching the ball, that Payton is trying to iron out.
"He’s continued to get stronger," Payton said. "[A] couple times, he’s catching the ball with his pinkies together instead of his thumbs together. We’ll correct some of that, but he’s someone that certainly will be a big part of what we do.”
With a receiving corps featuring Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Tim Patrick, and 2023 second-rounder Marvin Mims, Jr. — to say nothing of tight end Greg Dulcich — Payton will have no shortage of weapons in the passing game. Combined with a bolstered and retooled offensive line, Payton continues to do his part to give Russell Wilson every opportunity to succeed this year, and earn back some shine to his NFL reputation.
Follow Mile High Huddle on Twitter and Facebook.
Subscribe to Mile High Huddle on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!
