Wide receivers drafted in the 2020 NFL Draft class haven’t been safe from criticism during the week of October 9.
First, Richard Sherman ripped Dallas Cowboys wideout CeeDee Lamb by calling him a non-No. 1 receiver. Now, ahead of the Thursday night showdown between the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, Steve Smith targeted the Broncos’ Jerry Jeudy.
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Steve Smith Calls Out Jerry Jeudy for His WR Play
Safe to say, fellow ’20 NFL Draft class member Jeudy was another who received harsh criticism from the decorated NFL legend, who has been critical of the Bronco in the past.
Smith used the term “JAG” to describe Jeudy’s game — meaning he’s “just an average guy.” Smith, providing pregame analysis of the TNF game, revealed he had eye contact with Jeudy before the game. Smith shared how he wanted to talk with Jeudy beforehand to apologize for past remarks that may have come off as harsh.
Smith, however, claimed Jeudy used profanity toward the former Carolina Panthers and Baltimore Ravens star. And that’s when the blunt Smith went back to trashing Jeudy.
“You’re an average WR that they’ll eventually move on. And when teams ask me ‘should we trade for him?’ I’ll say, ‘No. Don’t trade for Jerry Jeudy, because he mentally unable to handle criticism.'”
And Smith ended with this new description for Jeudy.
“He’s a tier 3 wide receiver,” he said before dropping the mic.
Wow, Steve Smith killed #Broncos Jerry Jeudy.
Listen to the end: "You're an average WR. Don't trade for Jerry Jeudy, because he mentally unable to handle criticism."
"He's a tier 3 WR" 💀pic.twitter.com/Oco7JQV3qRhttps://t.co/eqJleLO5rv
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) October 12, 2023
Since being taken No. 15 overall in the NFL Draft (two spots ahead of Lamb in the same class), Jeudy has struggled to play a full season and produce the same way he had at Alabama.
Jeudy has dealt with hamstring, MCL, ankle, and shoulder injuries in his NFL career. He has never had more than 14 regular-season starts. He’s also yet to produce his first 1,000-yard season, as his closest was 972 in 2022 — which was his first season with Russell Wilson throwing him the ball.
Furthermore, Jeudy has never produced a 70-catch campaign in the league or has caught past six touchdowns in a season. He only has nine for his career.
Was Jeudy Trolling Smith on Camera?
It appeared Jeudy was even trying his hardest to distract Smith’s commentary and camera time.
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As seen below, Jeudy is seen in the background dancing before the game. Here’s the kicker, though: He’s strutting his moves directly right behind Smith.
Things appear to be escalating a bit. Jeudy dancing and yelling behind Smith while Smith takes another shot. pic.twitter.com/fukqeqCRf5
— Patrick Allen (@RPatrickAllen) October 12, 2023
Perhaps Jeudy heard Smith’s critique of him loud and clear before the game. But it’s safe to say “Agent 89” won’t be endorsing Jeudy or calling him the league’s best wide receiver anytime soon.