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Three reasons KJ Hamler is a great pick for the Denver Broncos

By Shelby Manning

STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts to catch a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions attempts to catch a pass against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos selected WR KJ Hamler with the 46th overall pick in the second round of the 2020 NFL Draft. Here are three reasons he is a great pick.

The Denver Broncos made a splash day one of the 2020 NFL Draft when they took Alabama WR Jerry Jeudy with the 15th overall pick; Jeudy was thought to be the best wide receiver in the 2020 Class.

This was a huge win for the Broncos, as it was thought the team would likely have to trade up in order to get one of the top wideouts. Day two was no different, as the Broncos continued to make an offensive splash when they took WR KJ Hamler of Penn State with the 46th overall pick in the second round on Friday.

Although it was regarded as a surprising pick, it is a surprise of the good variety. While not many likely anticipated the Broncos to double-dip into the wide receiver basket, here are three reasons why it is good that they did.

1. The Broncos have added the speedy receiver they sought 

As Tyreek Hill’s speed caught the attention of the entire league, the rest of the AFC West struggled to find their own receiver of that caliber to build an offense that rivals the current Super Bowl Champions.

Although it is too early to determine, it is very possible that the Broncos have now found their own Tyreek Hill. KJ Hamler should fit pretty well into the slot position and fill the hole left by Emmanuel Sanders, although adding even more speed to the position. Much like Tyreek Hill, Hamler could be a matchup nightmare for opposing cornerbacks.

2. The Broncos have added depth to a pretty bare position group

Although the Broncos’ wide receiver corps is very young with an average age of 24, it was a weak link for the Broncos’ offense in 2019. Not including the tight end position, Courtland Sutton was really the only receiver who accounted for the bulk of the production in 2019, also excluding WR Emmanuel Sanders, who was traded to the San Fransisco 49ers midway through the 2019 season.

The additions of Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler should make for an immediate increase of production in the 2020 season, although the addition of Hamler may reduce the amount of reps guys like DaeSean Hamilton and Tim Patrick get. KJ Hamler, receiving both second team and honorable mention All-Big Ten honors in receiving and returning respectively, is a quietly great option that the Broncos have added to this receiving corps that may have lacked production but definitely does not lack potential.

3. Another Option at Returner

Although Emmanuel Sanders provided a good option for kick and punt returns, and Diontae Spencer has proven to be a solid return man, the Denver Broncos have really not found an explosive returner since the Trindon Holliday days of old.

The 2019 Nittany Lion MVP, Hamler was utilized as a returner on top of leading the Nittany Lions in receiving yards in 2019, finishing his final season as a Nittany Lion with 513 yards on kickoffs and 126 yards on punt returns.

Next. Experts react to KJ Hamler pick. dark

Although Spencer will likely get the brunt of punt returns and kickoffs in 2020, look for the Broncos to test the water with Hamler. With his speed, it’s too tempting of an opportunity to pass up.

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