Jerry Jeudy knows it’s a make-or-break season for him in Denver

The Denver Broncos once again opened their doors at UC Health Training Center for the media on Wednesday. This time, three players were sent in front of the media to talk as the team goes through offseason workouts. Cornerback K’Wuan Williams, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and linebacker Josey Jewell all had plenty to say at Broncos headquarters.

Of course, each one of them was asked about what it’s like to have superstar quarterback Russell Wilson in the building – just like every player has been asked this offseason – and their answers were generally the same. The energy with Wilson is just different.

“Just the energy. (He’s) always uplifting guys and always motivating guys to go out there and keep working hard. On the off days when you don’t feel like working or doing anything, he’s the guy that comes up (to you) and gets your mind right for it. That’s a great guy to be around,” Jeudy said.

Here are the three biggest takeaways from the three press conferences.

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The Misconceptions of Jerry Jeudy

If there’s one player who gets Broncos fans riled up, it’s Jeudy. A first-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeudy was considered by every draft expert (including myself) to be the best receiver in the best receiver class in NFL history. There were superstars like CeeDee Lamb and Justin Jefferson drafted after Jeudy that year in the first round, and his lack of production has caused many fans to call him a bust.

For two years, Jeudy has played with below average quarterbacks. When he was a rookie in 2020 when Drew Lock was the Broncos starting quarterback, Jeudy had the highest number of uncatchable balls thrown his way. Last year, Jeudy didn’t vibe with Teddy Bridgewater who would come off Jeudy before the second-year pro had a chance to get open. Bridgewater loved to check down and would get through his progressions quickly while Jeudy was getting open. The timing just wasn’t there between the two, and Jeudy was banged up missing seven games with an ankle injury.

This year, it’s a make-or-break season for Jeudy. He needs to build the strongest chemistry he can with Wilson as soon as possible so he can start playing up to his potential. Sometimes – in fact, many times – in NFL history it takes wide receivers three years to really get going in the pros (see players like Marvin Harrison, Herman Moore, Cooper Kupp and many others). It’s year three for Jeudy and it’s now or never.

“There are things you can control and things you can’t control. Those first two years are gone now, so I’m just focused on this year,” Jeudy said. “(Wilson) could help me a lot. He’s a great quarterback — a Hall of Fame-(caliber) quarterback that came to the offense as a leader. (He’s) getting me better as well. He’s going to help me a lot this year.”

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Changing Perspective

There’s nothing like an injury to give one perspective. Jewell was hurt last year for the Broncos, and it was the most severe injury of his football career. A pectoral injury in Week 2 of the 2021 season cost Jewell the rest of the year. A starter for the Broncos, Jewell did look good before the injury – in ways it was the best football he’s played in the pros. The timing of the injury was unfortunate as Jewell was in the final year of his rookie contract with the Broncos.

Denver decided they wanted to keep him around, and this offseason they signed Jewell to a two-year, $11 million contract. Broncos general manager George Paton said many times it was important to keep Jewell with the team, and he put his money – well, the team’s money – where his mouth is.

Jewell was quite introspective when talking about how his pec injury forced him to look at things differently. The game has always meant a lot to Jewell, and to have it taken away from him made a difference.

“It’s more of an outside-in kind of thing. Even though I try to stay around the facility, I try to stay in the loop; you’re watching from the outside a little more. (It) really gave me the understanding of how much I enjoy the game, how much I appreciate the game, maybe took it too much for granted and really, truly love the game. It was a good view for me to kind of take a step back for a little bit and see how much I enjoy this game, how much I love it, and how long I want to play for,” Jewell said.

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A Wealth of Knowledge

K’Waun Williams is new to the Broncos defense, but he’s not new to the league. Undrafted out of Pitt in 2014, Williams bounced around the league a bit but spent most of his career (2017-21) with the San Francisco 49ers. While with the 49ers, Williams was part of one of the best secondaries in the NFL. He was credited with four pass defenses and one interception while playing 535 slot snaps in 2021.

In free agency, the Broncos were happy to sign Williams to a two-year, $7 million contract to be their starting slot cornerback. With Ronald Darby and Patrick Surtain on the outside, Williams will patrol the slot and should do a fine job for a rejuvenated Broncos defense. The team has a different direction and a different man in charge with new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero running the show.

In 2021, Evero won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams as their secondary coach and passing game coordinator. He gets the first crack at being a defensive coordinator with the Broncos in 2022, and Evero is ready for the challenge. He brings a different energy than former head coach (and defacto defensive coordinator) Vic Fangio, and it seems like players – both old and new – are gravitating to Evero’s style. Being a great coach is all about teaching and connecting with players – something Fangio struggled to do. I’ve talked to several Broncos defenders this offseason, and all reports are positive about the new direction under Evero.

“It’s been (good). I knew (Evero) was over there with the Rams (working) with the DBs. He has a wealth of knowledge. It’s great just being here to adapt and learn his terminology, philosophies and how he wants to run his defense,” Williams said.

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