Jaylen Waddle has wasted little time making an impression in his first Denver Broncos training camp, and the early returns help explain why the team wanted him in the offseason.
During the Broncos' first six practices since returning to the field, Waddle repeatedly created separation, made diving catches, broke free after the catch and showed off his speed. That kind of start is exactly what Denver was hoping to see from a receiver whose game has long been built around quickness, versatility and playmaking.
Sean Payton sees a defined role
Sean Payton said Wednesday that there is a clear vision for Waddle. He also compared him to the kind of player who can, in Payton's words, walk on water, pointing to Waddle's movement, stopping ability and competitive instincts. In other words, this is not just about adding another receiver to the room. It is about finding a player who can change how the offense functions.
Bo Nix echoed that view, saying Waddle is really good at what he does. Nix pointed to Waddle's speed, explosiveness, ability to make plays with the ball in his hands and impact in the screen game. He also called Waddle versatile and said he adds an extra element to the offense, which is a useful description for a player who can line up in different spots and stress a defense in multiple ways.
The connection with Miami teammates is already familiar
Brandon Jones, who played with Waddle in Miami from 2021-23, said Saturday that Waddle is exactly who he was with the Dolphins and might even be a little faster now. Jones also described him as a great teammate and great person who brings a different type of juice. That background matters because it shows Denver did not simply acquire a talented receiver; it added a player with an established track record of producing in a familiar style.
In Miami, Waddle averaged north of 80 catches and 1,100 yards over three seasons. That production gave him a reputation as a receiver who can win in a variety of ways, and it helps explain why Denver is already looking for ways to feature him early.
Pat Surtain II and Denver's defense are the test
Waddle's early camp work has centered on matchups with Pat Surtain II and the Broncos defense, which has given him a difficult but useful first look at what Denver wants to be on that side of the ball. Waddle spoke to the media for the first time in camp on Tuesday and said, in effect, that it is not just about him because the offense has a lot of playmakers.
He also said he and Pat have been getting after it, adding that Surtain II is the best in the league and that having that kind of competitive spirit with a good friend is always good. Waddle then made clear how tough the challenge is by saying Denver's defense is hard to get a yard on.
That is the bigger takeaway from Waddle's first stretch in camp: the speed is real, the versatility is obvious, and the competition is already sharp. If that keeps up, the Broncos may not just have another receiver. They may have a player who changes the shape of the offense right away.
