Initial expectations and projections for Jerry Jeudy with the Broncos in 2020

DENVER — The first-round of the NFL Draft went quite nicely for the Denver Broncos.

Not only did Denver land an All-American at a position of dire need, they got the No. 1 guy on their board in Jerry Jeudy.

Coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons with the Crimson Tide and back-to-back First-Team All-SEC honors, the 2018 Biletnikoff Award recipient has mile-high expectations from the get-go.

But historically, the jump from college to the NFL hasn’t been kind to rookie receivers. Will Jeudy be impacted by that despite his tremendous collegiate career?

Here’s what to expect from Denver’s new stud receiver his rookie season.

Projections for 2020: 63 receptions; 950 yards; 8 touchdowns; 16-game starter

Spoiler: Jerry Jeudy won’t be greatly hindered making the transition to the professional level.

As Andrew Mason pointed out, this stat line is what the three first-round receivers from Alabama in the Nick Saban era — Julio Jones, Amari Cooper and Calvin Ridley — averaged as rookies in the NFL. There’s no reason to believe Jeudy won’t have a similar season as his talent is right in their ballpark.

Not just that, but Jeudy has the skills that translate to the NFL immediately. One of Jeudy’s greatest strengths, if not his greatest, is his masterful route running. Even for a talented receiver coming out of college, route running is typically an aspect in which a player needs to develop. Not for Jeudy.

Because of that, Jeudy should find it easier than most rookies to create separation immediately. Separation means being open. Being open likely means production for a wide receiver.

Additionally, this wouldn’t be too far off from what Jeudy did during his collegiate career. In his three years at Alabama, Jeudy averaged 53 receptions for 814 yard and 8.6 touchdowns. Of course, that did include his freshman season when he didn’t have as big of a role.

Taking his final two seasons, Jeudy was incredibly productive, averaging 72.5 receptions for 1,239 yards and 12 touchdowns.

Much like at Alabama, in Denver, Jeudy will be in an offense that won’t be afraid to throw the ball, which will help his production. Also, Jeudy, at least initially, will likely see opposing team’s No. 2 cornerbacks with Courtland Sutton taking the attention of the No. 1 cornerback.

Jerry Jeudy enters his rookie season with sky-high expectations. All indications point that he’ll be able to deliver in a big way.