How K.J. Hamler can be unguardable in the slot
By Tylor Walden
With their second-round pick of the 2020 NFL Draft, the Broncos added another receiver to the room with KJ Hamler. How does he complement the roster?
Well, color me surprised. I did not think that the Denver Broncos would be double-dipping on wide receiver so early in the 2020 NFL Draft. But the team decided to draft their second straight wide receiver. And they acquired KJ Hamler, the speedy receiver from Penn State University.
When the name KJ Hamler comes up, the biggest assist he brings to the table is his speed. Unlike Jerry Jeudy, who uses his route running abilities to break free from the defender, KJ Hamler uses his speed to get into the open field. Just looking at his highlights, the amount of speed that he has can be such a game-changer for the Denver Broncos offense.
It has been some time since the team had a solid slot receiver. The team has seen some elite slot receivers in Brandon Stokley and Wes Welker, but there is no doubt that Hamler brings speed to the offense. He will have some big shoes to fill.
When Hamler gets onto the field as the slot receiver, he can be unguardable. He does not have the strength or physical build to jump up for the ball or wrestle it away from the defender, but there is no need for it if he is already halfway to the end zone.
Not only that, but Hamler can also be somewhat of a gadget player for the Denver Broncos. His speed will allow for the jet sweep type of plays. He can also be used in special teams as a returner, which could really impact a unit that has needed a dynamic returner for quite some time.
With how fast the AFC West is developing on offense, this was a smart pick for the Broncos. I can see Hamler as the Swiss army knife of the offense.
For the first time in a while, it is fun to be excited about the offense that is developing in the Mile High City. Welcome to Denver KJ Hamler.