The Lead
WR Jerry Jeudy is hoping to capitalize on an impressive training camp with an explosive sophomore campaign in 2021. The second-year wideout appeared to be nearly impossible to cover through camp, and people are starting to take notice.
Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager has rolled out his list of the top 10 breakout players of 2021, and Jeudy comes in at No. 3.
The 15th-overall selection in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeudy racked up 856 yards and three touchdowns on 52 receptions as a rookie. Though he didn't crack 1,000 yards in his first season, Jeudy flashed talent and potential every time he took the field.
"Jerry Jeudy highlights are something special," Schrager said as he revealed Jeudy's name for the No. 3 spot.
Jeudy has become famous for his route-running abilities, and his ability to "route" even veteran defenders in practice and on the field.
"Jeudy has outstanding footwork," Schrager said. "Everyone knows it — he can stop on a dime. It is the kind of stuff they compare to Julian Edelman or Chad Johnson — some of the best footwork guys in NFL history."
Jeudy's footwork and speed have proved a dangerous combination this offseason, with the WR exploding for big plays all throughout training camp.
"He can take what looks to be a five-yard catch over the middle and make it a 15-yard play," Schrager said.
Schrager has high expectations for Jeudy heading into his second season, but also praised the Broncos wideout as a person and a teammate.
"Jerry Jeudy: one of the best footwork guys, some of the best hands and a great, great player to have on your team because he's a good person as well," Schrager said.
Below the Fold
DeShawn Williams put on a disruptive defensive performance in Saturday's commanding 30-3 win over the Seahawks.
The defensive lineman, who is entering his second season with the Broncos, racked up three tackles, a pass defensed, an interception and a fumble recovery in Denver's second preseason bout.
"It was an “I’m-here-to-stay” performance," Kyle Newman of the Denver Post wrote.
Williams was an undrafted free agent when he first entered the league in 2016, and has had his ups and downs in the NFL. But he is nothing but positive when it comes to how far he has come in his career.
"I got cut by this team four times (before), and I'm still here, still making some type of impact," Williams said after Saturday's win.
Williams had his first major starting opportunity with the Broncos when fellow DL Mike Purcell went down in Week 7 last year with an injury. Williams filled in for Purcell for the remainder of the 2020 season, proving he was deserving of a spot on the field.
"With the Broncos needing another run-stuffing, havoc-wreaking force behind starting nose tackle Mike Purcell, Williams stepped up Saturday to prove he can be that man… again," Newman wrote.
Williams showed on Saturday that he is capable of dominating defensively and contributing to the turnover differential. He also restated his commitment and desire to remain in Denver for the long haul — something he demonstrated with his actions on the field this weekend.
"Like I said before training camp, I don't want to leave here," Williams said. "I'm letting it be known and I let it be known last year."
