Drafting Eric Decker Paying Off For Broncos

Second year wide receiver Eric Decker slid in under the radar screen and in to a Broncos uniform. The 23rd pick in the 3rd round of the 2010 draft, Decker had to wait in line for his time to shine. He slipped in and waited behind Brandon Lloyd, Jabar Gaffney, Eddie Royal, and Demaryius Thomas before he got a chance to show what he could do.

At the end of the 2010 season, Decker played in 14 games, but had just 6 receptions for 106 yards and 1 TD. However, 4 of those receptions were for a first down. Decker also played a big role on special teams. He averaged 25.3 yards per kick return (long 51 yards), and 25.6 yards per punt return (long 90 yards), and had 1 TD on a punt return.

Had the Broncos won on Monday night, there would have been more attention placed on one of Decker’s plays. He had a 90-yard punt return, the third longest in team history, at the beginning of the third quarter. To acknowledge his effort, I’m posting the clip here.

Decker finished the night with 3 receptions for 53 yards, with all three catches going for a first down. As we wait for Demaryius Thomas to heal again, Decker has filled in perfectly. Decker gives the secondary problems because of his size (6’3″, 218 lbs.) and speed. He creates space between him and the defender and then he’s difficult to bring down after the catch.

Many more big days will come for Decker. He’s got the athleticism and the right attitude to make it in this league.

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