Was Jerry Jeudy the right pick for the Denver Broncos in the 2020 draft?
Jerry Jeudy came to the Denver Broncos with all of the accolades you’d expect from a top-tier prospect. Since being drafted, Jeudy has had a solid rookie campaign with expected ups and downs.
Jeudy has compiled 47 catches for 716 yards and 2 touchdowns. On the surface, the 21-year-old receiver seems to have produced more than one would expect for a rookie at a position that takes players a year or two to adapt to the NFL game.
However, recent games of inactivity along with several big drops have brought a lot of conversation about whether Jeudy was the right pick for the Broncos.
It has been interesting to watch over the final few weeks as the team focuses on getting Jeudy involved in the offense.
Jeudy could be a cornerstone to the team’s future and an elite player at his position, or he could show to be the 4th or 5th best receiver from the 2020 draft.
I looked back at the 2020 draft and pulled some names that the Broncos could have or maybe even should have drafted instead of the University of Alabama receiver. I looked at who was available at 15 and decide if the Broncos should have gone in a different direction.
Instead of Jerry Jeudy, should the Broncos have selected another wide receiver?
Option A – Justin Jefferson
Jerry Jeudy was not the only stud receiver available in the 2020 draft.
Justin Jefferson was selected with pick 22 overall by the Vikings. Jefferson has replaced Stefon Diggs in providing the Vikings a legitimate number one receiving option for Kirk Cousins. Jefferson was viewed as a solid prospect but was doubted because of his connection with Joe Burrow. Many believed Burrow was responsible for Jefferson’s success.
That seems to be the farthest from the truth. Jefferson (6-1, 202 pounds), is sure-handed and a great route-runner with good hands. Add Jefferson’s big-play ability to the Denver offense, and this team could have looked much different.
Jefferson has compiled 79 catches for 1267 yards and 7 scores. He earned a 2020 Pro-Bowl nod for his strong play.
The argument could have been made that Jefferson could or even should have been the first receiver selected in this draft and it’s fair to bring that argument to Denver’s selection of Jeudy.