Australian punter Crawshaw drafted by NFL's Denver Broncos

Jeremy Crawshaw is set to join the ranks of Australian punters in the NFL after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.

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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 number 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 Matt Haack for the Broncos' starting job.

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," Crawshaw's pre-draft scouting report read.

"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 (Southeastern Conference) environments and continued development throughout his college career, Crawshaw has positioned himself as the top punter in this draft class.

"His ceiling suggests a decade-plus career as a reliable NFL punter with Pro Bowl potential."

Crawshaw was the sixth player drafted by the Broncos.

AAP

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