{"id":833200,"date":"2026-03-25T16:26:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:26:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/833200\/"},"modified":"2026-03-25T16:26:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-25T16:26:26","slug":"jaylen-waddle-has-made-the-broncos-receiving-corps-elite-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/833200\/","title":{"rendered":"Jaylen Waddle Has Made the Broncos’ Receiving Corps Elite \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prior to last Tuesday, the Denver Broncos had recently come under a lot of fire<\/a> for not making moves in free agency.<\/p>\n

At the time, they had yet to bring in a single new player from another team. Meanwhile, their fans were watching division rivals make scary signings, such as the Chiefs with Kenneth Walker<\/a> and the Raiders with Tyler Linderbaum<\/a>. All the while, the Broncos sat on their hands and did nothing. Until that monumental Tuesday.<\/p>\n

Waddle Welcomed<\/p>\n

On March 17th, the Denver Broncos traded<\/a> their 2026 first, third, and fourth round picks to the Miami Dolphins in exchange for electric wideout Jaylen Waddle<\/a>. After weeks of clamoring for a splash, the Broncos delivered with a cannonball.<\/p>\n

The former First Team All-Rookie<\/a> receiver gives Denver the firepower and big-play ability that they have desperately needed. In his first three years in the league, Waddle produced<\/a> back-to-back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. In 2021, he caught over 100 passes as just a rookie, and he followed that up with a whopping 1,300 yards the following year.<\/p>\n

Admittedly, his stats have taken a bit of a bump in the last two seasons. However, much of that can be attributed to Tua\u2019s injuries and general struggles pertaining to the Dolphins\u2019 offense. Despite Miami\u2019s disastrous offensive season, Waddle still logged a solid six touchdowns, with three of the six being 38 yards or more. Clearly, regardless of his stats from those years, his talent and explosiveness remain.<\/p>\n

Waddle Worries<\/p>\n

Broncos fans are very excited about the move, as they finally have a true weapon alongside Courtland Sutton<\/a> in the passing game. However, the trade does come with some risks.<\/p>\n

For starters, Denver gave up a steep price by giving up three picks, including their first. With that pick, the Broncos could have drafted a younger, cheaper, and frankly less injury-prone receiver. Additionally, with Denver trying to capitalize on their championship window, adding depth and youth could prove crucial.<\/p>\n

More importantly, though, the biggest risk comes with Waddle himself. He has had a sizeable history<\/a> of injuries, specifically in the last few seasons. Though these injuries have only caused him to miss six games in his whole career, they may still take their toll.<\/p>\n

He may not always miss games, but that doesn\u2019t mean he isn\u2019t playing hurt. Waddle, throughout his career, has consistently been marked questionable<\/a> before games. Just because he\u2019s playing doesn\u2019t mean he\u2019s 100%, which would explain why he failed to accumulate 1,000 yards in each of the last two seasons.<\/p>\n

Everyone knows Jaylen Waddle limps off the field or sneaks into the injury tent often during the season.
Majority of the time he can play through it, but yes he\u2019s dinged up a good amount. https:\/\/t.co\/pkg9wDauzo<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT (@jmthrivept) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Why Waddle Will Work<\/p>\n

So, the move may not be a guaranteed home run, but it is still worth the risk. Despite his injuries, Waddle has continued to play at a high level. Additionally, he has proven time and again that he can hit a home run on any given play. Combine that with Bo Nix<\/a>\u2018s arm and love for the deep ball, and the Broncos have a scary combo on their hands.<\/p>\n

As for the picks, the Broncos haven\u2019t been making any signings because they\u2019ve been busy bringing everybody back. They had the best record in the NFL last year, so their roster isn\u2019t lacking. Simply put, they can afford to take the swing on Waddle.<\/p>\n

Waddle isn\u2019t the only member of the Broncos\u2019 receiver room, though. They have talent across the board. The addition of Waddle, though, elevates them to a whole new level. One that the rest of the league may not yet realize or be ready for.<\/p>\n

The Broncos updated WR room:<\/p>\n

\ud83c\udfc8Jaylen Waddle
\ud83c\udfc8Courtland Sutton
\ud83c\udfc8Pat Bryant
\ud83c\udfc8Troy Franklin
\ud83c\udfc8Marvin Mims
\ud83c\udfc8Lil\u2019Jordan Humphrey
\ud83c\udfc8Michael Bandy pic.twitter.com\/KJzGyavDcP<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Remarkable Receivers<\/p>\n

The two stars of Denver\u2019s receiver room are, without a doubt, Jaylen Waddle and Courtland Sutton. Sutton has been tremendous for the Broncos throughout his career, especially in recent years. In two seasons with Bo Nix at quarterback, the two-time Pro Bowler<\/a> recorded<\/a> back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons. At 30, many believed that his career would begin a downward trajectory. However, with the way he\u2019s been playing, it seems to only be going up.<\/p>\n

In 2025, Jaylen Waddle recorded 21 receptions on vertical routes (tied for 2nd-most in NFL) for 481 yards and 3 touchdowns.<\/p>\n

Waddle and new teammate Courtland Sutton were two of just five players with at least 20 vertical receptions last season.@Broncos<\/a> | #BroncosCountry<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/CjdekS5EYV<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Next Gen Stats (@NextGenStats) March 17, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

After Waddle and Sutton, the corps becomes crowded with youth and talent. Marvin Mims<\/a>, Troy Franklin<\/a>, and Pat Bryant<\/a> would all likely be the second or third-best receivers on most teams. Instead, they find themselves battling each other just to etch out a spot in the rotation.<\/p>\n

Additionally, though he likely won\u2019t have a huge impact, the Broncos also re-signed<\/a> Lil\u2019Jordan Humphrey<\/a>. Between the Saints and the Broncos, coach Sean Payton<\/a> always seems to have him around. And perhaps Payton has bigger plans for him than Broncos fans would expect.<\/p>\n

Battling for the Ball<\/p>\n

Honestly, it\u2019s hard to say who will be the official WR3 to start the year for Denver. Mims has traditionally specialized as the slot receiver, but that may no longer be needed. Waddle also has the ability to play in the slot, which could allow Franklin, Bryant, or possibly even Humphrey to take the second outside receiver role.<\/p>\n

Likely, though, it will be Waddle in the slot with Franklin outside. Franklin finished<\/a> second on the team in receiving yards with over 700, a full 300 more than Mims or Bryant. His ability to play inside or outside, combined with his speed, size, and connection with Nix, makes him a perfect third receiver.<\/p>\n

Additionally, with only two years under his belt, he\u2019s still improving, and the sky is the limit for his potential in this high-octane offense. Unfortunately, though, that means fewer chances for Mims and Bryant.<\/p>\n

Mims Missing Out<\/p>\n

Though Mims is brimming with upside, it seems as though he can never become more than just a gadget guy in Denver. He has tremendous speed, is great with the ball in his hands, and excels at jump balls. Payton has even explicitly said<\/a> that he needs to get Mims the ball more.<\/p>\n

Despite being quiet most of the year, Mims came through when his team needed him most. He put up<\/a> six catches for 85 yards in their miraculous comeback against the Giants. He also recorded eight catches, 93 yards, and a game-winning touchdown in their thrilling playoff victory over the Bills.<\/p>\n

Clearly, he has all the talent to be a great receiver. But for whatever reason, Denver is just the wrong place for him. Broncos fans would love to keep him around for gadget plays and occasional breakout games. Additionally, he will provide crucial depth should someone get injured. However, for the sake of his potential, Mims should look elsewhere. Having already given the Broncos three years of his career, Mims should look to join a team that can use him properly.<\/p>\n

However, he isn\u2019t the only young receiver on the team who could be losing out on crucial development opportunities.<\/p>\n

Bryant on the Bench<\/p>\n

Despite also being behind Sutton, Waddle, and Franklin on the depth chart, Pat Bryant\u2019s situation is a bit different than that of Mims. Bryant was only a third-round pick, and he just finished his rookie year. Right now, he would serve as a sporadic addition to the lineup while learning behind great veterans. This is a perfect spot for a receiver in his position to be in.<\/p>\n

Sutton won\u2019t be around forever, and who knows what could happen with Waddle. The Broncos want Bryant to be around for the long term, so rushing him into the lineup immediately is not required. Last season, Bryant didn\u2019t get many reps at the start. However, when injuries started piling up, he began getting more and more of them, impressing in the process with a solid 378 yards. This will likely be his role again this year, as he can watch and learn, then contribute when needed.<\/p>\n

Nevertheless, Bryant has a very bright future, and he has already shown that he can become a key piece when the time comes.<\/p>\n

Dangerous Depth<\/p>\n

Ultimately, only time will tell what will happen with these receivers. Of the five, anyone could get hurt, anyone could slump, and anyone could step up. However, the one certainty with the group is that all of them have serious skill. Sutton and Waddle have already proven to be fantastic receivers in the league. Franklin has all the chances to do the same this year. As for Mims, it may take a change of scenery to fully showcase what he can do. And with Bryant, he will just need more time.<\/p>\n

NFL seasons are long, and injuries can derail postseason dreams. Denver learned this when they lost<\/a> both Troy Franklin and Pat Bryant in the first half of the playoff game against the Bills. They barely squeaked out a win against Buffalo without them, and they could not do it the following week against the New England Patriots. With this depth, though, the Broncos have ensured that they will have pass-catchers ready no matter what.<\/p>\n

There is no other receiver room in the league with this much talent from WR1 all the way down to WR5. In accomplishing this feat, the Broncos have given themselves the best problem that they can ask for. Feeding all these mouths may prove challenging, and egos might start to show. But with these wideouts, and with Nix throwing them the ball, a conference championship return feels inevitable.\u00a0<\/p>\n