Jeremy Crawshaw, once a park footy player for the Emu Plains/Glenmore Park Junior AFL Club, is set to join the Denver Broncos as a punter in the NFL. The 23-year-old from Emu Plains in Sydney’s west was the first punter taken in the draft – going in the sixth round with pick No.216 – after being widely considered the best on offer following his five seasons with the University of Florida. He joins a growing contingent of Australian punters in the NFL, including Tory Taylor (Chicago), Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco), Michael Dickson (Seattle), and Cameron Johnston (Pittsburgh).

Crawshaw's sporting journey began with rugby league, where he played for the Emu Plains Junior Rugby League Football Club. He later transitioned to Australian Rules Football, honing his kicking skills before joining Prokick Australia, a Melbourne-based sports academy known for transforming Australian athletes into elite American football punters. Crawshaw's talent caught the attention of the University of Florida, where he excelled, averaging 45.8 yards per punt in 2024 and setting a single-season Gators record for punt average at 48.9 yards in 2023.

Crawshaw is set to compete with veteran punter Matt Haack for the Broncos’ starting job. Pre-draft scouting reports suggest Crawshaw has the potential to become an immediate NFL starter and a genuine field-position weapon, with the ability to execute multiple punt styles.

The Broncos’ draft strategy has been met with mixed reactions. While the selection of Alabama Crimson Tide EDGE Que Robinson and Utah tight end Caleb Lohner were part of their final selections, the focus remains on whether they adequately supported quarterback Bo Nix with offensive weapons. Jahdae Barron, a versatile player, was picked earlier in the draft. R.J. Harvey, a running back from Central Florida, was also added, drawing comparisons to Darren Sproles. Tight end Caleb Lohner, a former basketball player, is considered a project.

The selection of Illinois’ Pat Bryant in the third round raised eyebrows due to his projected later-round status. Despite this, coach Sean Payton sees potential in Bryant, even drawing comparisons to Michael Thomas. Ultimately, the draft's success will be judged on whether it provided Nix with the necessary support and whether Vance Joseph's defense becomes even more formidable.

In the later rounds, the Broncos selected Que Robinson, an EDGE rusher from Alabama, known for his pass-rushing potential despite limited experience. The Broncos concluded their draft with Caleb Lohner, a tight end from Utah, who has a basketball background and is viewed as a developmental prospect.