The Denver Broncos enter the 2026 season with renewed optimism after acquiring star wide receiver Jaylen Waddle this offseason. Now, one NFL analyst believes Denver has the pieces to emerge as a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

USA Today writer Nick Brinkerhoff recently placed the Broncos 8th in his NFL team rankings and predicted that the team can be a dominant one in the league again with their new receiver.

“Expectations are a mile high for the Broncos....” Brinkerhoff wrote. “An offseason trade for Jaylen Waddle should provide a spark for an offense that needed it, and the defense promises to be dominant again. It's now or never in Denver.” 

USA Today's Nick Brinkerhoff believes Waddle's arrival gives Bo Nix another proven weapon on offense, while Denver's defense provides the foundation for a deep playoff run this season.

Entering his sixth year, Waddle has recorded 373 receptions, 5,039 receiving yards, and 27 total touchdowns across 78 regular games. 

Adding him gives Nix a proven, explosive target downfield. 

Not just Nick Brinkerhoff, but Broncos HC Sean Payton, per reports of Susanna Weir of the Denver Broncos, is also thrilled about Waddle's speed and elite playmaking abilities. 

"He's someone who picks things up real quick," Payton shared. "You can just feel his instincts, his quickness and his ability to not only run fast but stop fast. So, he's doing well." 

After watching him practice during June minicamp, Payton confirmed the new star is fully living up to expectations. Now what remains is to check his performance during the preseason games.

After two ankle procedures in January and April this year, Bo Nix will now return with a receiving corps that could help him perhaps even reach the 4,000-passing-yard club.

That optimism isn't limited to outside projections. Inside the Broncos' building, Sean Payton has repeatedly praised Waddle since his arrival, reinforcing the belief that he can elevate Denver's offense this season.

Sean Payton praises Jaylen Waddle’s skillset

The Denver Broncos have officially kicked off training camp, aiming to build on last year’s strong 14-3 season and top spot in the AFC West.

All eyes are already on WR Jaylen Waddle. After recording 64 catches for 910 yards and six touchdowns last season, he is already making a huge impression.

In fact, head coach Sean Payton praised Waddle's incredible skills as well.

“He’s one of those players relative to how he runs, how he stops and his competitive instincts,” Payton noted, via The Denver Gazette. “There is a clear vision for him.” 

Payton is confident that Denver has everything required to compete for a championship this year. He has pointed toward strong coaching, solid line play, good defense, and reliable quarterbacking.

If Waddle carries that momentum into the preseason, the Broncos will have every reason to believe the optimism surrounding their revamped offense is justified heading into the 2026 campaign.

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Written by

Aaindri Thakuri

Edited by

Aadesh Dhote