Jeremy Crawshaw is set to join the ranks of Australian punters in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.
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 averaged 45.8 yards for the Gators in 2024, with 25 punts downed inside the 20-yard line. In the 2023 season, he set the single-season Gators record for punt average at 48.9 yards.
Crawshaw is set to compete with veteran P Matt Haack for the Broncos’ starting job. Haack signed a one-year, $US1.255 million contract with the club in March.
“Played a lot of sports as a kid,’’ Crawshaw said in a media conference call following his selection. “Rugby was the main one. … (I) pretty much started looking for something to do after school, play some sports.
“They gave me a scholarship to come over to Florida and spent five years here and then (I was) lucky enough to move on and be with the Denver Broncos.”
Although Crawshaw will officially compete with Haack for the Broncos’ punter job the NFL tends to favour a specialist like a punter or kicker when he is drafted.
“Matt Haack has already been in the league for a long time, and I’ve watched a lot of film on him,’’ Crawshaw said. “I’m kind of just looking forward to competing.”
He is poised to join fellow Australian punters Tory Taylor (Chicago), Mitch Wishnowsky (San Francisco), Michael Dickson (Seattle) and Cameron Johnston (Pittsburgh) in the NFL.
“Crawshaw will likely move in and become an immediate NFL starter with the potential to become a genuine field-position weapon,” reads Crawshaw’s pre-draft scouting report.
“His combination of power, touch, and directional control makes him an ideal fit for teams emphasising special teams play. The Australian’s background actually works in his favor, bringing a different perspective to directional punting and spin control.
“His skill set particularly suits teams playing in outdoor stadiums where wind and weather management become crucial factors. The ability to execute multiple punt styles – from traditional bombs to rugby-style rollers – gives coordinators a versatile weapon for any situation.
“With his proven track record in high-pressure SEC environments and continued development throughout his college career, Crawshaw has positioned himself as the top punter in this draft class.
The scouting report ends with a glowing endorsement for the former Sydneysider. “(Crawshaw’s) ceiling suggests a decade-plus career as a reliable NFL punter with Pro Bowl potential. (His) experience holding on placekicks adds valuable roster flexibility.”
Crawshaw was the sixth player drafted by Denver, joining first-round defensive back Jahdae Barron, second-round running back RJ Harvey, third-round wide receiver Pat Bryant and defensive end Sai’Vion Jones, and fourth-round linebacker Que Robinson.
New Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi has a proven appreciation for Australian-born punters believing their rugby background suits the NFL’s directional punting strategies.
Rizzi comes from the New Orleans Saints where his recent punter was Australian-born Lou Hedley. He reputedly sought out Crawshaw during Florida’s Pro Day last month for lunch where the deal to join the Broncos was hatched.
