The Lead
Drafting Jerry Jeudy in the first round would have been surprising enough.
But to not have to trade up to get him? Now that was shocking — and a delight for Broncos fans and NFL analysts.
"For Drew Lock, Christmas just came early," The Ringer’s Danny Kelly wrote as he gave the Broncos an A-plus grade. "Jeudy is the best route runner in this class, capable of separating with lightning-quick feet and explosive short-area quickness. The former Crimson Tide star is a big-play creator who makes would-be tacklers miss with rare suddenness and cut-on-a-dime change-of-direction skills. … Denver's skill position group is quickly turning into one of the most exciting units in the league. Jeudy came in no. 7 on my Big Board, so I love the value here, too."
Dan Kadar, the lead NFL Draft analyst for SB Nation also gave the pick an A-plus.
"This pick was a steal for the Broncos," he wrote. "Jeudy was the best wide receiver in the draft, and he shouldn't have lasted until the 15th pick. … He can play on the outside or in the slot for the Broncos, and he has good speed too. Jeudy has very few flaws in his game."
Denver Post writers who cover the Broncos came together to give the Broncos straight-As for the selection of Jeudy. As beat writer Ryan O'Halloran wrote, "Quarterback Drew Lock should be happy." They may not be A-pluses, but I'll take it.
NFL.com's Gregg Rosenthal says Drew Lock and John Elway are among his clear winners of the draft through one round. "My favorite receiver in this draft, Jeudy has footwork that pops off the screen," Rosenthal wrote. "He can line up anywhere, in any offense, with an ability to get open that is reminiscent of Antonio Brown."
Speaking of NFL comparisons, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated said he's heard Marvin Harrison's name mentioned as a comparison for Jeudy. Can't be mad at that.
What's even better is seeing that a couple NFL legends are in Jeudy's corner as he enters his NFL career.
Below the Fold
You can count Bucky Brooks of NFL.com among the group of analysts who think favorably of the Jeudy pick. In his pick-by-pick analysis of each pick, Brooks says "Jeudy gives the Broncos a polished route runner with a game that's plug-and-play ready."
ESPN's Jeff Legwold looks at the Broncos' pick of Jeudy and explains both why the Broncos picked him and what Jeudy will have to prove at the NFL level.
And as we head toward Rounds two and three of the draft, here are Daniel Jeremiah’s top remaining prospects, led by running back D'Andre Swift and defensive lineman Ross Blacklock.
