Shut out last season, Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy could be team's X-factor

Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, who didn't have a touchdown catch last season, could be Denver's X-factor in 2022, according to ESPN NFL writer Mike Clay.

“Jeudy living up to his elite pedigree will be a driving force in whether Denver can make the playoffs while playing in the AFC West,” Clay wrote. “A lot of the blame for the lack of production goes to the Broncos' poor quarterback play, but that's no longer an excuse with [Russell] Wilson in town.”

Untapped potential best describes Jeudy’s career in the NFL.

Jeudy was drafted with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, ahead of CeeDee Lamb (Dallas, No, 17) and Justin Jefferson (Minnesota, No. 22). Both have made the Pro Bowl. Jeudy, a former Alabama star, has not.

Jeudy has struggled because of a revolving door at quarterback in Denver. He has already played with five different quarterbacks.

Jeudy has also been hampered by injuries. He missed six games in 2021 because of a high right ankle sprain suffered in Week 1 against the Giants. 

Jeudy put in extra time this offseason to prove he can become an elite playmaker. He stayed healthy throughout the offseason and attended quarterback meetings to build chemistry with Wilson. 

“He’s going to have a really amazing year,” Wilson said recently, per ESPN. “Every route is just perfect."

This is a positive sign, because Wilson and the Broncos need all the skilled players they can get on offense.