Receivers ready for different story
The middle of the field was easy money for Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton and quarterback Russell Wilson during minicamp on Tuesday. Sutton would hit a slant route before catching a pass from Wilson for a nice gain.
While Wilson and Sutton showcased their chemistry, Jeudy made cornerback Riley Moss aware that he’s one of the best route-runners in the game. Jeudy gave the rookie his “welcome to the league” moment by turning him around before cutting back to make a catch. Moss didn’t stand a chance. Wideout Tim Patrick didn’t let a large knee brace slow him down. He glided across the field, catching passes from Wilson, looking a bit like his old self.
It’s best to avoid overreacting to offseason programs when players are running around in shorts and nobody is getting hit. But the Broncos’ three-day minicamp at least provided a tiny glimpse of what the offense could look like when their top three wide receivers are healthy.
“I love to see those guys on the field together,” first-year wide receivers coach Keary Colbert said.
That’s the thing. Sutton, Patrick and Jeudy have rarely shared the field due to injuries. In fact, the trio have started just four games together since 2020.
They were robbed of that opportunity before the start of last season, when Patrick tore his
ACL during training camp. Jeudy missed seven games in 2021. They shared the field once in Week 2 of the 2020 season before Sutton tore his ACL.
In the four games they did start together, the numbers were underwhelming. They combined for one touchdown, while none exceeded 100 receiving yards. It’s also worth mentioning the Broncos’ quarterbacks in those games were Jeff Driskel, Teddy Bridgewater and Drew Lock.
“It would be amazing (to play together),” Patrick said. “It’s something that we all want.”
Patrick’s return has provided energy, said Jeudy, and Sutton has enjoyed having another veteran presence on the field.
“It’s a big deal to have him back,” Jeudy said.
Colbert, the wide receivers coach at Florida in 2022, called Patrick and Sutton the glue of the group. He said both wide receivers provide size and toughness. Colbert has been impressed with their ability to run routes and make plays.
“I think a lot of times when you see (big) receivers, you think (they) are lumbering around,” Colbert said. “But these guys can run routes, and they’re strong at the point of attack when catching the football. I’ve enjoyed watching them compete the last few weeks.”
Colbert knew about Jeudy’s route-running skills before taking the job. Since he arrived in Denver this offseason, Colbert has been more impressed with Jeudy’s intelligence.
He said Jeudy is savvy and understands the game well. “I think those are little things that probably don’t get mentioned enough,” said Colbert, a former wide receiver for the Broncos and Carolina Panthers.
For Jeudy, he wants to build off his performance towards the end of last season when he totaled 37 catches for 523 yards and three touchdowns in the final six games.
“I was getting put in a good position,” he said. “Everybody was doing their job at the time.”
Broncos coach Sean Payton remembered watching Jeudy’s film when he came out of Alabama. He praised Jeudy’s explosiveness and loose hips that allowed him to transition into the league.
But Payton knows Jeudy can be better.
“I told him, ‘Hey, I’m going to be on you, and we’re going to get the most out of you,’” Payton said. “Couple (of) 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 will be a big part of what we do.”
Jeudy, Sutton and Patrick have each showcased their potential at some point during their careers. In 2019, Sutton was a Pro Bowler after totaling 1,112 receiving yards and six touchdowns. Patrick emerged from the practice squad to produce back-to-back seasons of 700plus receiving yards before his injury.
It’s simply a matter of them putting it together consistently. Under Payton, that could be a reality. Jeudy mentioned how Payton has harped on fundamentals so he can be an even better route runner and create more separation. He also said the tempo is faster than his past two seasons, noting they are getting out of the huddles quicker.
Payton sees Sutton playing a similar role to New Orleans Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas. That’s why Sutton has been studying Thomas’ game film.
“(Sutton) is transitioning well,” Payton said. “I give him a hard time (because) that 2019 album he put out was pretty good. We’re looking for another good soundtrack in 2023.”
If Jeudy, Sutton and Patrick share the field more in 2023, what happens with the rest of the group?
Rookie Marvin Mims Jr., the team’s top draft pick in April, has impressed coaches with his speed and ability to be a deep ball threat. K.J. Hamler is meant to play a similar role but has battled injuries throughout his career.
The Broncos also have former Saints wide receivers Marquez Callaway, who totaled a career-best 698 receiving yards under Payton in 2021, and Lil’jordan Humphrey. Second-year wideout Brandon Johnson had a quiet rookie season but was impressive during OTAS and minicamp.
“It’s a good problem,” offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi said of the receiver depth. “Hopefully, there’s enough love to spread around to all those guys. As long as we’re moving the ball and scoring points, we can keep everyone happy.”