Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: 5 high-impact rookies for the 2020 season

By Cameron Parker

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide catches a 62 yard touchdown reception thrown by Tua Tagovailoa #13 against the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Levi's Stadium on January 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - JANUARY 07: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide catches a 62 yard touchdown reception thrown by Tua Tagovailoa #13 against the Clemson Tigers during the first quarter in the College Football Playoff National Championship at Levi's Stadium on January 07, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Lachlan Cunningham/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 05: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 5, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA – OCTOBER 05: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions celebrates after catching a pass for a touchdown against the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half at Beaver Stadium on October 5, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

KJ Hamler, wide receiver

Speed is one of the most important factors that changes a game. The Denver Broncos see this often when facing the Kansas City Chiefs and Tyreek Hill. Denver needed to find a player with a skill set on their offense that can possibly become the player Hill is.

That of course is hard to find, but KJ Hamler is more than capable of being a high impact player for the Broncos in the offense.

Despite the addition of Jerry Jeudy, the Broncos can use Hamler in ways they used Emmanuel Sanders in a variety of ways as a weapon. Hamler’s speed is also brought to his route tree and a lightning-quick release off the line. He is so fast and aware to take a break on a dime to change course.

A player that shows he can consistently do this with defenders in his face will be difficult to contain. Also, Hamler’s willingness to stay in there and corral tough catches is impressive. Even with the hard to get passes Hamler even shows he can stand in there and absorb contact with the best of them. Granted this was in college, but the Big Ten is one of the most physical conferences in college football. Players have to know how to take a hit.

It is unknown whether Hamler will have an impact on special teams, but he has shown to be electric with the ball in his hands on punt returns and kickoffs it should be a possibility. The likelihood of it happening is not great due to the player that is already back there and has more so to do with the guy Denver thinks he is.

Vic Fangio pounded the table for KJ Hamler during the draft process. If a coach loves you that much, then you may be more valuable to this team on offense than punts and kickoffs.

Hamler will not be a 1,000-yard wide receiver this year, but he will be a very valuable player in the Denver Broncos offense due to his speed. The speed Hamler brings to the table will help diagnose defensive schemes and allow Lock to recognize players who will be open.

Whether that is Hamler remains to be seen, but it is good news for him, Sutton, Jeudy, Fant, and the rest of the playmakers on the offense. Hamler’s presence on the team will be great long term.

Home/Broncos News