Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver KJ Hamler is making dazzling plays in camp.
Denver Broncos first-round pick Jerry Jeudy has received a ton of attention this offseason, and for good reason, but second-round pick KJ Hamler has some dazzling playmaking ability of his own.
He’s putting that on display early in Denver Broncos 2020 training camp.
In case you aren’t aware, the Broncos are putting on a training camp show every day which gives fans pretty unparalleled access to camp considering the conditions the COVID-19 pandemic has put the sports world in.
As the intensity of camp ramped up on day two, so did KJ Hamler’s route running. This is an absolute textbook route from Hamler, who beat Davontae Harris on this play.
That isn’t the only big play Hamler has made in camp so far, either.
After a drop led to an interception early on day one of Broncos camp, Hamler made a diving catch reminiscent of Emmanuel Sanders.
The rookie laying out on Day 1!@kj_hamler | #BroncosCamp pic.twitter.com/7X51XZnwVz
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) August 14, 2020
It’s not often discussed, but one of the great blessings of the Broncos’ 2020 offseason is the fact that Hamler was not able to work out at the 2020 Scouting Combine due to injury, and because of the COVID-19 pandemic, he didn’t have a pro day, either.
As much of a difference as tape makes in the evaluation process, it’s not out of the realm of possibility to think that Hamler would have gone a lot higher than he did with the Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft if he had been able to run in the 40-yard dash and show off his amazing athleticism.
The way Hamler is moving around and making cuts looks a lot like Tyreek Hill on the field. Hill is able to make cuts and accelerate to full speed almost immediately, and his play speed is other-worldly.
There were many Broncos fans who coveted Henry Ruggs III of Alabama for that exact reason, but Hamler really has the same type of advantage in his game.
Up to this point, the Broncos have not really gotten Hamler many first-team reps, if any at all that we know of. The depth chart situation at wide receiver is one we will be monitoring all throughout training camp.
With that said, if Hamler makes plays like this consistently, he will continue to get more opportunities. What everyone really wants to see is more offensive plays with Hamler, Jeudy, and Courtland Sutton all on the field at the same time. How does a defense deal with that?
If Hamler is running routes and creating separation at the catch point like this, the options for the Broncos in the passing game will be limitless in 2020.