Cody Latimer will finally get his chance.
The chance he didn’t get in his rookie season, and when he does, he will become the weapon John Elway envisioned when he drafted the receiver in the second round.
The season is still seven months off, but the thought of Latimer in Gary Kubiak’s and Rick Dennison’s offense gets me amped up. If there’s a mold for a wide receiver in that offense, it’s Latimer.
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Fans didn’t get the chance to see much of Latimer this last season but they will come September. He has the traits of Rod Smith and Ed McCaffrey, two receivers who knew their jobs weren’t just about catching passes and running routes. They were both complete receivers who took pride in every aspect of what they did. And they flourished in this offense.
Latimer is the same type of player. The fact he wasn’t developed is another reason why John Fox and most of his staff is no longer in Denver. You can include Sylvester Williams, Michael Schofield, Matt Paradis and so on. The only reason defensive back Bradley Roby got the chance was because he forced Fox to play him.
But that’s neither here nor there. This is about the future, and Latimer will shine in this offense when he’s given the chance. The play that should have put him in the lineup was the block he laid in the preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers. That showed he will do what’s needed for the team.
Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) reacts towards wide receiver Cody Latimer (14) after dropped a pass as wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) listens in the first quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
That showed he gives the offense qualities it doesn’t have: toughness and meanness. Latimer will block in the running game, and had he been on the field on that fourth-down run by C.J. Anderson against the Indianapolis Colts, it’s probably a touchdown.
I would bet Latimer is already putting in the work that will benefit him come OTAs, mini camp and training camp. When given the chance to work with the coaches, they will actually work to develop him and give him the chance.
That means whatever Wes Welker decides to do – retire or continue to play – will not happen with the Broncos. Latimer has more upside and he’s younger than Welker.
There are a lot of reasons to feel excitement over the coming season. The development of Latimer is one of the big ones.
If he brings the approach of Smith and McCaffrey, it will only benefit the Broncos. If he can match their output, on top of what Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders will bring, watch out.
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Sep 7, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Cody Latimer (14) before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports