Jeremy Crawshaw is about to affix the ranks of Australian punters within the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.
The 23-year-old from Emu Plains in Sydney’s west was the primary punter taken within the draft – going within the sixth spherical with choose No 216 – after being extensively thought-about the very best on provide following his 5 seasons with the College of Florida.
He averaged 45.8 yards for the Gators in 2024, with 25 punts downed contained in the 20-yard line. Within the 2023 season, he set the single-season Gators document for punt common at 48.9 yards.
Crawshaw is about to compete with veteran P Matt Haack for the Broncos’ beginning job. Haack signed a one-year, $US1.255 million contract with the membership in March.
“Performed numerous sports activities as a child,’’ Crawshaw stated in a media convention name following his choice. “Rugby was the principle one. … (I) just about began searching for one thing to do after faculty, play some sports activities.
“They gave me a scholarship to return over to Florida and spent 5 years right here after which (I used to be) fortunate sufficient to maneuver on and be with the Denver Broncos.”
Though Crawshaw will formally compete with Haack for the Broncos’ punter job the NFL tends to favour a specialist like a punter or kicker when he’s drafted.
“Matt Haack has already been within the league for a very long time, and I’ve watched numerous movie on him,’’ Crawshaw stated. “I’m type of simply wanting ahead to competing.”
He’s poised to affix fellow Australian punters Tory Taylor (Chicago), Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco), Michael Dickson (Seattle) and Cameron Johnston (Pittsburgh) within the NFL.
“Crawshaw will possible transfer in and change into a direct NFL starter with the potential to change into a real field-position weapon,” reads Crawshaw’s pre-draft scouting report.
“His mixture of energy, contact, and directional management makes him a super match for groups emphasising particular groups play. The Australian’s background really works in his favor, bringing a distinct perspective to directional punting and spin management.
“His talent set significantly fits groups enjoying in outside stadiums the place wind and climate administration change into essential components. The power to execute a number of punt kinds – from conventional bombs to rugby-style rollers – offers coordinators a flexible weapon for any state of affairs.
“Along with his confirmed monitor document in high-pressure SEC environments and continued improvement all through his faculty profession, Crawshaw has positioned himself as the highest punter on this draft class.
The scouting report ends with a glowing endorsement for the previous Sydneysider. “(Crawshaw’s) ceiling suggests a decade-plus profession as a dependable NFL punter with Professional Bowl potential. (His) expertise holding on placekicks provides invaluable roster flexibility.”
Crawshaw was the sixth participant drafted by Denver, becoming a member of first-round defensive again Jahdae Barron, second-round operating again RJ Harvey, third-round extensive receiver Pat Bryant and defensive finish Sai’Vion Jones, and fourth-round linebacker Que Robinson.
New Broncos particular groups coordinator Darren Rizzi has a confirmed appreciation for Australian-born punters believing their rugby background fits the NFL’s directional punting methods.
Rizzi comes from the New Orleans Saints the place his current punter was Australian-born Lou Hedley. He seemingly sought out Crawshaw throughout Florida’s Professional Day final month for lunch the place the deal to affix the Broncos was hatched.
