Jaylen Waddle has wasted little time making an impression at Broncos training camp. In Denver’s first six practices since returning to the field, the receiver repeatedly separated from defenders, made diving catches and showed the kind of speed that has already caught the attention of teammates, coaches and the defense lined up against him.
The early showing matters because this is Waddle’s first Broncos training camp after an offseason acquisition, and the first few days have already offered a clear glimpse of how he might fit. The Broncos have spent much of camp evaluating him against their own defense, including Pat Surtain II, and the matchup has only reinforced the idea that Waddle can change the way an offense looks.
Teammates are already seeing the same player
Brandon Jones, who played with Waddle in Miami from 2021 to 2023, said the receiver looks like the same player he remembers, only perhaps even faster. Jones called him a great teammate and person, while also pointing to Waddle’s ability to line up anywhere, catch any ball and run any route. In Jones’ view, Waddle brings a different type of juice to the Broncos.
Bo Nix offered a similar takeaway. He called Waddle an explosive playmaker and said the receiver adds an extra element to the offense. Nix noted that Waddle can win deep, work in the screen game and create yards after the catch, which is the kind of versatility that can help a quarterback and open up space for everyone else.
Sean Payton sees a clear fit
Sean Payton was just as direct when asked about Waddle’s role. He pointed to the idea that every position has a prototype, but some players stand out as exceptions because of how they run, stop and compete. Payton said there is a clear vision for Waddle, which suggests the Broncos already have a strong sense of how they want to use him.
That is a meaningful sign this early in camp. When a new player is already drawing praise for speed, separation and versatility, it usually means the fit is obvious. Waddle is not just participating in drills; he is shaping how the Broncos are thinking about their offense.
Waddle says the competition is bringing out the best
Waddle has also embraced the challenge. He said he does not think the early attention is just about him, adding that the Broncos have a lot of playmakers. He also made it clear that the work against Denver’s defense has been intense, saying, “Me and Pat have been getting after it.”
That is exactly the kind of camp storyline the Broncos wanted when they added him. Waddle praised Pat Surtain II and called him the best in the league, while also saying Denver’s defense is hard to gain a yard against. For now, that battle is helping both sides. For Denver, it is already showing what Waddle can bring. For the defense, it is a daily reminder that they have added one of the NFL’s most difficult receivers to cover.
If the first six practices are any indication, Waddle is not easing into his new environment. He is making plays, creating problems for defenders and giving the Broncos a new weapon they can build around.
