Mile High Report
One of the bigger winners from the Broncos’ preseason opening victory over the 49ers was veteran wide receiver/special teamer Trent Sherfield. He finished the night with 3 receptions for 73 yards, which included a long touchdown reception from Jarrett Stidham, where Sherfield needed some fancy footwork to complete the catch.
It was a breakout game from a player most have overlooked, but after the game, Head Coach Sean Payton made it clear that they have a vision for Sherfield Sr. moving forward.
Payton was asked if the vision for Sherfield was purely special teams or did they believe he could have an impact on the offensive side of the ball. He told reporters blocking was the vision when signing him and added that “He’s physical as a blocker and he can run”. He went on to compare to some other former Saints receivers who fit that profile and added that these players can be dangerous on play action because they’re viewed as blockers, but have the ability to make plays down the field. Payton continued and said the vision for Sherfield was obviously “receiver 5 and four core special teamer” who also has the ability to block and run.
“Yeah, blocking, there was a vision, absolutely. There was a vision. He’s physical as a blocker and
he can run. And there was a time in New Orleans when we had a variety of receiver combinations,
but [former New Orleans Saints WR] Devery Henderson, [former New Orleans Saints WR] Robert
Meacham were guys that could run and block. And so you can look at that and say, well, they’re
going to run the ball when they’re in there. And then it came off of heavy play action, and there
were a lot of shot plays. So, the vision for him was obviously receiver five, four core special team.
He’s physical in the run game and he can run. So, there’s a lot you can do with that, if that makes
sense. And, and I think when you get a free agent, you’re more into tune maybe with a draft pick,
but there are some things maybe that he even surprises you with. And I think he’s had a good
camp. He’s a very serious player, very focused player, intentional, would be a good word to
describe how he approaches the game, and that role is clear then. There’s a lot you can do with
that.
Sherfield Sr. has been an overlooked player in the Broncos’ wide receiver conversation and is someone we could see a lot of throughout the year. Last season, we saw wide receiver Lil’Jordan Humphrey play 50% of the snaps, and Sherfield is basically replacing his role while also looking like an upgrade over him. So, we have to start factoring him into the wide receiver conversation moving forward because he’s making the team and going to be part of Payton’s package rotation at the position....
