Denver Broncos: Case Keenum likes having River Cracraft as a target

Denver Broncos quarterback Case Keenum had positive things to say about one of his young wide receivers, River Cracraft…

The talk of the town for the Denver Broncos in training camp had been newly-acquired quarterback Case Keenum for a while.

They finally get their obvious starter at the position after two seasons with question marks and horrible play.

However, there are plenty of other additions to the team that have stood out during training camp.

Keenum was asked about one of those players on Wednesday — wide receiver River Cracraft.

He had all good things to say about one of the youngest guys on the team that has been catching passes from him in training camp.

It sounds as if Keenum has a lot of confidence in Cracraft, which is a major endorsement for a guy who may or may not make the final 53-man roster after the fourth preseason game.

"“Cray-Cray? He’s playing well. He’s doing really well. I like throwing him the ball. He’s a friendly target. He’s learning too. He’s learning the NFL game. I think you like having a guy like that, you can move inside, outside, shifty. He’s got good separation at the top of his routes. And he’s learning too, just like a lot of those young guys. He’s continuing to grow, he’s watching the older guys, [WR] Emmanuel [Sanders], and watching what those guys do and trying to emulate some of that.”Broncos QB Case Keenum (quotes via Broncos PR)"

It was a veteran’s day off for some key members of the Broncos, including wide receiver Demaryius Thomas. The absence of Thomas on the field allowed other guys to get in some much-needed reps, such as rookie receivers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton, as well as Cracraft.

Head coach Vance Joseph also had good things to say about Cracraft, including a hint that he has a nice shot at making the final 53-man roster.

"“[He’s] very consistent, very smart player and very good on [special] teams. He’s got some qualities that will help him make our team. Your fourth, fifth and sixth receiver has to be a guy that plays teams and has to be a smart guy to play every position. So far, he’s showing those traits.”Vance Joseph"

Keenum knows the importance of getting every player on board with what the team is trying to do, including gaining chemistry and making sure timing between him and his pass catchers is on point. He talked about the importance of having trust for all 11 guys in the huddle, no matter your standing on the depth chart.

Keenum will likely play just two series on Saturday vs his old team, the Minnesota Vikings, with Paxton Lynch and Chad Kelly getting in reps the rest of the game.

Cracraft will try and prove that he deserves a spot in the league, whether it’s on the Broncos or a different team.