Marquez Callaway seemingly came out of nowhere with the New Orleans Saints in 2021 to lead the team in receiving yards (698) and receiving touchdowns (six).
Callaway had that breakout year in 2021 after a relatively quiet rookie season (21 receptions for 213 yards and no scores). In his second offseason, the receiver stepped up at training camp and quickly emerged as the team’s No. 1 receiver.
“He had one of those training camps that surprised us a little bit,” Payton said of the receiver’s breakout summer. “Marquez made a real strong impression.”
Callaway was a former undrafted free agent, and Payton has reiterated several times this offseason that any player can stand out during training camp.
“[O]nce they get here —once we’ve drafted [players], we’ve signed free agents and we’ve tried players out — once they get here, how they got here is of no importance to us,” Payton said. “That’s the art of just procuring players. Once they’re here, we’re going to go by what we see.”
After Payton left the Saints following the 2021 season, Callaway saw his role reduced in 2022 as he totaled just 16 receptions for 158 yards and one score. Now reunited with Payton in Denver, Callaway will face tough competition to make the team’s 53-man roster.
The first thing Payton wants Callaway to do is lose some weight.
“His weight is a little high right now and he’ll get that down,” Payton said. “I kind of like the skill players at that right out-of-college weight. Occasionally they’ll get over that, but he’s someone that found a niche [in 2021] and then all of a sudden, he’s in the starting lineup. He’s in a good group. I think we’ve got some depth there, and we’ve got good competition there.”
Callaway’s experience with Payton will undoubtedly help his chances of making the team, but the 25-year-old receiver will need another impressive training camp to secure his spot.
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