Jerry Jeudy ranks the top 10 route runners in the NFL in 2023

If the old saying, “it takes one to know one” is true, then everyone should be paying attention when Denver Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy ranks the top 10 receivers in the league by their route running ability. Jeudy appeared with another former Denver Broncos receiver — Brandon Marshall — on the I Am Athlete podcast, and frankly put together a top-10 list that is difficult to argue with when it comes to ranking the top route runners in the game today.

Of course, Brandon Marshall made sure to note that the ranking was after Jerry Jeudy (as no. 1) on the list. So this is actually a “top-9” list. Here’s what he came up with:

Denver Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy ranks the top 10 route runners in the NFL in 2023

1. Amari Cooper, Browns

Of course, it makes sense that Jeudy would pick Amari Cooper as number one on the list, right? Those Alabama boys have to stick together. But in reality, Amari Cooper truly is one of the best route runners in the game today and outside of himself, Jeudy sees him as the gold standard. That’s high praise for Cooper, a very underrated player throughout the duration of his NFL career.

2. Davante Adams, Raiders

There will be few disagreements here. Adams has established himself as an elite all-around receiver, but the display of route running that he put on even against Jeudy’s teammate Pat Surtain II last year is a testament to how good of a route runner he is, and just how crafty he is in that regard.

3. Stefon Diggs, Bills

Stefon Diggs is not only a great route runner, but he’s so explosive and quick. I can still remember watching Diggs carve up the Denver Broncos’ No Fly Zone as a rookie when he was with the Minnesota Vikings. His route-running chops have only gotten better through the years.

4. Keenan Allen, Chargers

Keenan Allen once fell in the NFL Draft despite an outstanding career at Cal because of a lack of timed speed and overall athletic prowess. He has always been a tremendous route runner and has overcome the “lack” of elite physical traits as a result. Allen is always open.

5. Justin Jefferson, Vikings

Another guy who is always open despite being consistently blanketed in coverage. Justin Jefferson knows how to manipulate coverage to all levels of the field. He has done such a great job of expanding his overall skill set since arriving to the NFL in 2020.

6. Cooper Kupp, Rams

Cooper Kupp is crafty in all forms of route running. Short routes, intermediate ones, deep routes — he can do it all exceptionally well. Kupp is just so good when it comes to finding weaknesses of those trying to guard him, and exploiting them.

7. CeeDee Lamb, Oklahoma

Ironically, one of the knocks on Lamb coming out of Oklahoma from the so-called experts was the fact that he didn’t have to run an expanded route tree for the Sooners. He has some of the best body control in the game.

8. Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins

Creating separation has never been a problem for Waddle, who is so dangerous as a vertical threat that his ability to run good routes makes guarding him almost completely unfair.

9. Tyreek Hill, Dolphins

There’s very little Tyreek Hill doesn’t do well at the receiver position. He’s obviously a fantastic route runner and he’s also the best player in the NFL at getting open in scramble drill. So Hill not only runs routes well, but he’s the best at running the route after the route.