Denver Broncos Camp Battles: Cody Latimer vs. Kalif Raymond

As training camp inches closer, we take a look at two Denver Broncos wide receivers. Cody Latimer and Kalif Raymond could battle it out for a spot.

It’s July, which means training camp officially begins this month! I will be examining an interesting battle for a roster spot in the wide receiving corps.

The Broncos boast one of the best receiver tandems in the league in pro-bowlers Emmanuel Sanders and Demaryius Thomas. However, after these two play makers, there is no definitive number three receiver. Broncos’ fans hope that training camp will show a healthy competition at receiver and that one of these two will step up to the plate and earn this distinction.

Cody Latimer

Latimer, a second round pick in 2014, has yet to break out in his three years in the league. The big bodied product from Indiana has all the athletic attributes of an NFL wide out, and he is confident that this is his year to finally succeed. Latimer himself is “very ready [and that] the page has turned for him,” a statement of confidence as he heads into a make-or-break year.

Latimer only has 16 catches in three seasons, but he is hoping to exceed those numbers this year alone. With the addition of Mike McCoy, Latimer could explode onto the scene as the offense shifts from Kubiak’s ground and pound attack. At only 24, Latimer should have plenty of opportunities to show his worth as the position battle is wide open. The Hoosier is physical enough to play on the perimeter but will contend in the slot as WR3.

As Latimer continues to evolve into a consummate professional, there are a slew of critics who will wait to see if Latimer is not only able to meet his true potential, but make the roster to begin with.

Kalif Raymond

An undrafted FA in 2016 who spent the majority of last season on the practice squad, Kalif Raymond is looking to make his mark during training camp. The exact opposite of the aforementioned Latimer physically, Raymond is a 5’9″ spark plug at receiver.

In a crowded position group, Raymond is doing all he can to separate himself from the pack. As one of the smallest players on the team, Raymond is using size to his advantage. Explosive and elusive, Raymond’s attempting to carve his niche as a returner to make the roster and compete at receiver.

Raymond has an uphill battle as the Broncos recently drafted a nearly identical skill set player in Isaiah McKenzie. While this adds to his obstacles, if Raymond can shine with his versatility, look for him as a dark horse candidate to unseat another teammate to make the active roster.

Verdict

While Latimer has not scratched the surface, he has all of the tools to shine in the NFL. Raymond’s best shot at making the roster is through splash plays in the return game.

Next: Denver Broncos Opponent Preview: Kansas City Chiefs

As a second round pick who has had three years to learn the game at the NFL level, Latimer has the inside track to win a roster spot that is up for grabs, and potentially the starting job behind Sanders and Thomas. With the immense jostling in the receiving corps, training camp in Dove Valley will be outstanding with this group!