Denver Broncos: Draft Picks Deserve Patience
There are thousands of draft picks that make it initially in the NFL, but it takes patience to let the players reach their full potential…
In light of potential rumors surrounding a contract extension with Cody Latimer, we are reminded that extra patience is needed to see what ceiling a player can reach.
Latimer should be the prime example of such analysis.
The 2014 NFL Draft has the makings to be the best wide receiver class of all time. This position group saw players like Mike Evans, Sammy Watkins, Odell Beckham Jr., Brandin Cooks and Kelvin Benjamin all taken in the first round. Yet, the Broncos didn’t cash in on that depth, and have faced plenty of criticism, because they could have drafted Jarvis Landry instead.
All of these wide receivers reached a part of their ceiling; however, Latimer was considered a project. Latimer’s route running needed to be fine tuned as well with knowledge of the playbook.
Injuries early on plagued Latimer from the beginning. His slow going found him contributing solely on special teams. There, Latimer grew into a true gunner and core player in that area. It was a gradual climb back to playing time, but Latimer is embarking on his best season as an NFL player. He sees this as an opportunity and to work on route running.
"“It’s just the opportunity. I’m finally getting an opportunity to go out there and showcase what I can do. That’s all I was waiting for, and I got the chance, and I’m not looking back,” Latimer said in a Broncos Q&A. “I’m doing a lot of special teams in addition to offense — when I get tired I need to keep my route running consistent.”"
An upside to Latimer is his awareness to place a great emphasis in run blocking. Latimer’s presence to annihilate defenders helps him inch ever closer to being a complete player. Latimer has been patient.
The Broncos also have showed patience with Latimer and as the adage goes, “good things come to those who wait.”
"“It’s been a long time coming. I’ve been waiting and been being patient, but it feels good to get some game action, get these catches and these plays I’m making. I’ve got to continue to make them, because it’s a contract year for me.”"
Ah yes, the contract year. Latimer is performing at a high level placing him potentially further in the team’s plans as a number two or three wide receiver. Furthermore, Latimer is playing with the constant chip on the shoulder.
If fans put forth the same amount of patience as the Broncos, they will see the growth of Latimer is extraordinary. He is not the only player to place patience in, either…