Jaylen Waddle brings juice to the reigning AFC No. 1-seeded Denver Broncos and adds a playmaker who can work before and after the catch.
The trade, which the Broncos paid a high price to make, covered Denver’s biggest weakness this offseason and gives Bo Nix a target who will provide defensive play alongside Courtland Sutton. But Waddle doesn’t need you to call him a No. 1 target.
“I don’t think there are No. 1s, everyone is here to play and try to win,” he said Wednesday via the team’s official transcript. “At the end of the day, that’s the goal for the team and the organization.”
Waddle brings versatility and playmaking to Sean Payton’s offense, something it lacked a year ago. The 27-year-old has averaged 15.0 yards per catch since 2022, third-most over that span, according to NFL Research (minimum 200 catches). His ability to line up inside or outside brings added creativity to Payton’s schemes.
“I think over time I’ve had opportunities to play all over the place,” he said. “So I think just knowing the offense inside out, being able to put myself in different spots helps. I think that’s always helpful, just being able to move around and play different positions.”
Waddle had fallen over the past two seasons, but that was more a product of an inefficient offense than talent. In his first three seasons, he had 251 receptions, 3,385 receiving yards and 18 receptions. He is 1 of 6 players all-time to have 70+ receptions and 1,000+ yards in each of his first 3 seasons.
Waddle’s biggest strength is his ability to create separation against any coverage, giving the quarterback easy reads and targets. His play over the middle of the field fills a significant hole in the Broncos’ offense and should make Nix’s life easier. He also brings the necessary YAC ability, averaging d 5.7 yards per catch since 2022, according to Next Generation Stats, 3rd most among WRs with 200+ receptions (behind Deebo Samuel and Puka Nacua)
The former No. 6 overall pick played down his addition, however, noting that the entire WR room has needed a skill set.
“I think I’ll just bring another playmaker to the team. Someone who can help and try to play to the best of my ability,” he said. “I think it’s going to be a fun group. They have a lot of talent with ‘Court.’ [Sutton]’Marv’ [Marvin Mims Jr.]Troy [Franklin]Pat [Bryant]Lil’ Jordan [Humphrey]. I’m here to help in all areas, make plays and learn. I am excited to learn from them and [for] then learn from me. It should be fun; it should be great.”
It’s a solid group that looks significantly better with Waddle’s name on top.