Jaylen Waddle brings juice to the reigning AFC top-seeded Denver Broncos, adding a playmaker who can win before and after the catch.
The trade for Waddle, which the Broncos paid a hefty price to execute, covered Denver's biggest weakness this season and provides Bo Nix a target who will give defenses fits 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 make plays and try to win," he said Wednesday, via the team's official transcript. "That's ultimately the goal for the team and for 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 in that span, per NFL Research (minimum 200 catches). His ability to line up inside or outside brings added creativity to Payton's plans.
"I think over my time, I got a chance to play all over the place," Waddle said. "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."
Waddle had a down past two seasons, but that was more a product of an inefficient offense than of talent. In his first three seasons, he generated 251 receptions, 3,385 receiving yards and 18 receiving touchdowns. He's one of six players all time to have 70-plus receptions and 1,000-plus receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.
Waddle's greatest strength is his ability to create separation against any coverage, giving the quarterback an easy read and target. 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 needed yards-after-catch ability, averaging 5.7 yards after catch per reception since 2022, per Next Gen Stats, third among WR with 200-plus receptions (behind Deebo Samuel and Puka Nacua)
The 2021 No. 6 overall pick, however, downplayed his addition, noting that the entire WR room has needed skill sets.
"I think I just bring another playmaker to the team. Someone that can help out and try to make plays 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, Marv (Marvin Mims Jr.), Troy (Franklin), Pat (Bryant), 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."
It's a solid group that looks significantly better with Waddle's name at the top.
