How WR Jerry Jeudy fits with the Broncos

[Miles]

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — If you're asking where first-round pick Jerry Jeudy fits on the Broncos' offense, you're asking the wrong question.


The better question, as the former Alabama wide receiver prepares for his first season, is where doesn't he fit?


As a member of the Crimson Tide, Jeudy excelled as both an outside receiver and a slot receiver. During his final season, he recorded 77 catches for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns as he averaged 15.1 yards per catch.


Jeudy's positional versatility means Offensive Coordinator Pat Shurmur can use the 6-foot-1, 193-pound player wherever he gives the Broncos a mismatch.


In normal three-wide receiver sets and two-tight-end, two-receiver sets, Jeudy could play as the receiver opposite Courtland Sutton. He showed excellent press-breaking ability in his limited experience against press coverage in college, and he should be able to transfer that to the next level.


Once he gets initial separation, Jeudy's polished route-running ability should help him stay open and gain even more space. With the ability to stop and change direction with little wasted movement, Jeudy should be a reliable option to get open on third downs and when the Broncos need key yards. He also showed good understanding in college of where to settle against zone defenses.


At Alabama, Tua Tagovailoa routinely looked toward Jeudy on third down and when the other team blitzed.


With Sutton expected to garner the attention of the opponent's No. 1 cornerback, Jeudy should have a decent chance to become a go-to target and get the ball in space. As a sophomore at Alabama — the year he won the 2018 Biletnikoff Award as the nation's top receiver — Jeudy caught 52 passes that resulted in either a first down or touchdown. His 1,315 receiving yards that season marked the second-highest total in Alabama history.


Jeudy's route-running prowess could be even more evident when he plays in the slot, either when the Broncos run four-receiver sets or in a trips or bunch formation. The Broncos could also often bring Jeudy in motion to give the offense an upper hand.


Alabama head coach Nick Saban said he believes Jeudy "really does his damage" in the slot, as the space only increases. And against typically smaller nickel cornerbacks, Jeudy may have a noticeable advantage. And while he's not a physically imposing player, he plays tough. In college, he would at times lower his shoulder at the end of plays to pick up extra yards.