Wide Receiver: Young guys ready to take the leap
Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello has the tall task of working with a group of wide receivers whose elder statesmen (healthy, anyway) are a group of second-year players in Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, and Tim Patrick.
Emmanuel Sanders will eventually return to give this group a much-needed veteran boost, but for now, the guys who have been part of the installation process of Scangarello’s new offense are NFL sophomores.
For one of the most difficult positions to learn in the NFL anyway, that’s a tough task.
Scangarello said they have been more than up to it so far.
"“The groups that have been assembled here and what the organization has brought together are guys that are smart and instinctive football players. I think when you have that, it can accelerate the process. I think we’re fortunate to have a group of guys like that. I think so far it’s minimized mental mistakes and it’s allowed us to go at a fast pace.” Rich Scangarello (all quotes via Broncos PR)"
Scangarello also commented on the great job wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni has done developing Courtland Sutton, and spoke of some of the difficult aspects of transitioning from spread offenses in college to NFL concepts.
"“I think it’s very difficult for receivers in the NFL—I think that the transition period takes a little bit of time, especially coming from SMU, a spread system. With his background, I think [WRs Coach] Zach Azzanni has done an amazing job developing him and being creative with how he’s taught him. He’s brought him along very fast. I think he’s gaining confidence. I think you combine a good football IQ, good work ethic, a good guy with some talent—the sky is the limit. We’ll see where he can take it.”"
The Broncos have a number of players whose talent and football IQ combine with great work ethic. That’s a combustible situation in the best way.