Broncos finding out Waddle fits as easily in the locker room as on the field

ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — For Broncos wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, it’s not just a matter of how well he’s fitting on the field that gives him a chance to help the team to a fast start — something it hasn’t yet had under Sean Payton.

It’s how he’s settled within the Broncos locker room.

Waddle is the only projected starter who wasn’t on the roster last year. The rest of the team returned nearly intact, with a well-established, deep-rooted locker room culture. Thus, it’s on the ex-Miami Dolphin to adapt; by all indications, he’s done so flawlessly.

“He’s meshed really well,” tight end Evan Engram said. “He’s a great locker room guy. He’s funny and yeah, he fits really well in with this with the DNA of our team and he’s gonna be a big part of our offense.”

That was part of the research the Broncos did before trading for Waddle in March; they were able to ascertain how well his work ethic and demeanor would fit. Having his former roommate, cornerback Pat Surtain II, didn’t hurt either; few could give a more accurate assessment of how Waddle would take to the Broncos’ way of doing things than the 2024 Defensive Player of the Year himself.

“Culture is a big part of success in this league,” Engram said. “The camaraderie we have as a team, the way we love each other, the way we push each other, the way we hold each other accountable. It’s just a big part of being successful.

“You have to have high-character guys; you have to have high accountability and you have to have that relationship to hold each other accountable as well.”

Then there’s the on-field effect he’s expected to have, too, drawing secondary coverage and opening up lanes for Engram and the other tight ends and running backs.

“It’s a no-brainer honestly, just his impact that he has, just the speed that he has,” Engram said. “He’s really smart; he’s really savvy too Yeah, I think it’s just gonna help our offense out a lot. You have to account for him every time he’s on the field and yeah, honestly, sometimes that doesn’t even matter with his talent.

“So, yeah, we’re excited to have him. He’s had a great camp. He’s he’s meshed really well. He’s a great locker room guy. He’s funny and yeah, he’s he fits really well in with this with the DNA of our team and he’s gonna be a big part of our offense.”

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