The Denver Broncos ‘ran it back’ with their core players effectively only losing John Franklin-Meyers and Dre Greenlaw. The loss of JFM is going to sting on the pass rush rotation front, but I’m not convinced losing Greenlaw is going to hurt as much. If you look at the defensive performances when Justin Strnad was starting alongside Alex Singleton while Greenlaw was hurt, they actually performed better. So really, they just need to sort out their defensive line rotation.
The offense, however, had
some deep concerns with fans. And I am sure running back and tight end remain a concern due to the freak J.K. Dobbins injury and the poor overall production from the tight end position in general. That said, adding Jaylen Waddle certainly changes the equation a bit on offense. They finally have a guy who will legitimately stress opposing defenses in ways that should alleviate the pressures on the run game and the pass game in other areas.
It’s funny how one single outside move can change the complexion of the entire free agency period.
Broncos daily recap
We’re still heavy on the Jaylen Waddle reviews. It’s going to be a long five months waiting to finally see him in orange and blue practicing with the team in training camp. I cannot wait!
Broncos Film Review: Jaylen Waddle
The MHR film room goes deep on Denver’s newest weapon. Waddle’s yards-after-catch ability is elite — he’s averaged over 5.3 YAC per reception for his career, including a 7.1 YAC mark in 2022 and 6.1 in 2023. The review compiles clips and analysis from across the football community and paints a picture of a receiver who should be an instant ceiling-raiser for this offense, opening up the middle of the field and creating explosive plays that Denver simply didn’t have last season.What to know about Denver Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle
Your one-stop primer on the newest Bronco. Waddle was the sixth overall pick in the 2021 draft out of Alabama, set the NFL rookie record with 104 receptions his first year, and has posted three 1,000-yard seasons in five years. He’s under contract through 2028 with Denver absorbing just a $4.9 million cap hit this season while Miami eats the remaining $23.2 million. His 2025 season (64 catches, 910 yards, six touchdowns) was his quietest as the Dolphins cratered around him, but the talent has never been the question.Jaylen Waddle statistical analysis
The numbers tell the story. Waddle’s career averages land at roughly 81 catches, 1,098 receiving yards, and six touchdowns per season across 763 offensive snaps. His 68.6% catch rate and 13.5 career yards per reception (17th among active players) show a receiver who is both reliable and explosive. After averaging just 9.8 yards per catch as a rookie, he’s been at 12.8 or better every season since. The statistical case for Waddle as a true No. 1 complement to Courtland Sutton is rock solid.
Under the radar
The Broncos official X account dropped a nice cutup of Jaylen Waddle. Fun stuff!
Potent quotables
On what the past 24 hours have been like for him, how he found out about the trade and what it means to join the Broncos
“It’s been exciting, definitely something new. It was yesterday morning [when] they gave me the news. I came out here, and it’s been great.”
On his friendship with CB Pat Surtain II and their experience yesterday
“It was special. He was one of the first calls that I made. We talked about this earlier in our careers, we wanted to get together and play with each other. Just seeing it happen, it’s special.”
On if CB Pat Surtain II has shared information about what it’s like to play for the Broncos and Head Coach Sean Payton
“Not too many details. We kept in contact through the years when [Head] Coach [Sean] Payton has been here. He’s been keeping me in the loop without even knowing.”
On where his humility comes from and how he thinks he will fit into the team’s chemistry
“I honestly think it was just the way I was brought up. My mom and dad obviously tried to do a good job as best they could with keeping me not too high, but not too low. So just staying at a good head space. I think it’s going to be a fun group. They have a lot of talent with ‘Court’ [WR Courtland Sutton], ‘Marv’ [WR Marvin Mims Jr.], [WR] Troy [Franklin], [WR] Pat [Bryant], [WR] Lil’Jordan [Humphrey]. I’m here to help in every fashion, making plays and learning. I’m excited to learn from them and [for] them to learn from me. It should be fun; it should be great.”
On what he considers his strengths in terms of versatility at wide receiver
“I think over my time, I got a chance to play all over the place. So I think that helps just knowing the offense inside and out, being able to put me in different spots. I think that’s always helpful, just being able to go around and play different positions.”
On his expected role in the offense and joking around with CB Pat Surtain II
“I don’t think there are No. 1s, everyone is here to make plays and try to win. That’s ultimately the goal for the team and for the organization. I still stand on what I said about [CB] Pat [Surtain II] (Laughs).”
On if he feels like this trade presents a chance for a new chapter in his career
“It’s definitely new beginnings. I don’t look at it as that standpoint of getting back to where I was. I just look at it as a new opportunity to go out there with a new team in a great place, play along great talent and help out as best I can.”
On how exciting it is to join a team with championship goals that feels like he is a piece to help get there
“It’s exciting, like I said, just playing with great players. Everyone is talking about how great and close the team is. I’m excited to be around the guys, get to know them, and they get to know me and go from there.”
Build Your Winning Bracket!
SB Nation’s CBB expert Mike Rutherford and resident bracketologist Chris Dobbertean will answer all your questions this week and help guide you to bracket glory!
Drop in SB Nation’s March Madness Feed all week long and we’ll have both on hand! (All times MT)
- Sun 5-8pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Mon-Wed 8-11am: Mike Rutherford
- Mon-Wed 3-6pm: Chris Dobbertean
- Thursday 7-10am: Chris Dobbertean and Mike Rutherford
The FEED happenings
GratefulBronco looks at Jaylen Waddle’s contract value in relation to other top wide receivers in the NFL.
TonyisI brings up the dreaded dropped passes stats again and, yes, it is still as bad as we remember last season. Waddle should help this.
Post your own thoughts on MHR’s Feed.
How does Jaylen Waddle stack up?
In his short five-year career, Jaylen Waddle has racked up 373 receptions for 5,039 yards and 26 touchdowns. That’s pretty dang good. So how does he stack up to the Broncos all-time leaders? Let’s find out.
Looking over Denver’s all-time leaders board, his numbers after just five seasons in the NFL would rank him 10th overall in receptions, 12th overall in yards, and 14th overall in touchdowns. The Broncos have had some mega greats catching the ball for them over the franchise’s history.
Waddle would be behind Rod Smith, Demaryius Thomas, Shannon Sharpe, Lionel Taylor, Courtland Sutton, Ed McCaffrey, Steve Watson, Riley Odoms, Vance Johnson, Haven Moses, and Emmanuel Sanders. Though, Waddle probably has a good five years left to continue stacking those stats of his. Hopefully, he’ll end up in the Top 10 all-time Bronco for just his time there when he’s done.
That’s a wrap for your Wednesday. My plans to run mock drafts every day are pretty much in shambles now. We’re back to having no first round picks again. What is that three of the last five drafts without a first round pick? Yet somehow, they are building a contender. I’m okay with that.
