Denver Broncos want extensive look at Kalif Raymond

The Denver Broncos are really excited about speedy rookie WR/KR Kalif Raymond, a UDFA out of Holy Cross. He’s expected to see plenty of action Thursday…

Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver Kalif Raymond is often one of the first players out on the field for practice. He’s also one of the players who has been the focus of much of the fans’ attention this offseason with his performance at training camp catching passes and returning kicks.

At 5-9, 181 pounds, it’s easy to miss Raymond on the field. Maybe it’s the fact that he wears no. 19, but does this kid remind anyone else of Eddie Royal?

Both guys are built the same, and Royal made his initial mark in the NFL with explosive plays downfield and great return ability.

Along with a number of other young players, the Broncos plan to get a long look at their rookie out of Holy Cross, who is vying for the sixth wide receiver spot at what is perhaps the most loaded position of young talent offensively.

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Head coach Gary Kubiak talked about what we can expect to see from the rookie on Thursday.

“My expectations are to look at Kalif extensively. Probably, if you saw anybody other than Kalif, you will probably see our young kid from Oregon [WR Bralon Addison]. I want to look at Kalif. He’s looked really good in practice. I want to see him handle the ball, so that’s what I plan on doing.”

It’s a good sign for Raymond that his coach is so eager to see him in a game setting, but that also means the pressure’s on. This is just an NFL pre-season game, but he’ll learn quickly that he’s not at Holy Cross anymore.

The speed of the game certainly won’t be a problem for Raymond, who has been lighting it up at Broncos practices. Here’s hoping when the lights go on at Soldier Field, a new star is born and the Broncos have a long-term solution at the return position.