Jerry Jeudy becomes the second receiver taken off the board, as the Denver Broncos grab him with the 15th overall pick. Jeudy is a route running technician and will pay dividends from Day 1, giving Drew Lock a stout group of receivers, as Courtland Sutton and tight end Noah Fant look ready to take another step forward this season.
Jeudy didn’t have the most amazing college stats in 2019, but was considered a top two wideout leading up the the draft. He was neck and neck with Oklahoma’s CeeDee Lamb for the top spot at his position, as he recorded 77 receptions for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns in his final collegiate season. Jeudy was the top pass catcher for the Crimson Tide in each of his last two seasons.
Scouting Report
Jeudy stands out as one of the best route runners in college football. He has a diverse route tree and can get open at every level by using precise moves. He can also shake off would-be tacklers after hauling in catchers. He does have a smaller frame though and could need to develop more strength in the pros.
Fantasy football impact
Rookie
Much will depend on Drew Lock’s development, but if he can springboard off a good end to the 2019 season, it will be with the help of Jeudy, who could quickly become Lock’s top target while Courtland Sutton works a deeper route tree. Jeudy is NFL ready right now and should have fantasy value his rookie year, but there are plenty of variables in Denver that could limit his upside.
Long-term
Jeudy profiles as a WR1 from the get-go. He is one of the wideouts with legitimate star potential and could be a top 10 fantasy football receiver for an extended period of time. He’s carried an elite program’s passing attack on his back, but that was when he played alongside the best of the best. Working on his weaknesses and learning to play with a quarterback who is a less talented passer than Tua Tagovailoa. Jeudy could even be a top five wideout multiple times when it’s all said and done.