Denver Broncos: 9 young players who must shine in 2021
Denver Broncos young players who must shine in 2021
4. KJ Hamler, WR
Leading up to the 2020 NFL Draft, many Denver Broncos fans (myself included) would have loved to have seen former Alabama receiver Henry Ruggs III in Denver as the team’s first-round pick.
Much of that was due to a concession from the majority that Jerry Jeudy would be long gone by the time the Broncos picked, as well as likely CeeDee Lamb of Oklahoma.
As it turns out, Ruggs was the only receiver not available to the Broncos in the 2020 NFL Draft, and Denver — as you well know — wound up taking Jeudy and KJ Hamler with their top two picks.
For all those who felt like Ruggs and his speed were exactly what the team needed, Hamler was no mere consolation prize.
Had Hamler run at the 2020 combine, it’s possible he would have had no chance at lasting until Denver’s second-round pick. A legit sub-4.3 type of player on tape, Hamler’s speed is unreal and has added a fun dimension to Denver’s offense.
Through 13 games and limited by a hamstring injury and now a concussion, Hamler finishes his rookie season with 30 receptions for 381 yards and three touchdowns, including a game-winner against the Chargers.
https://twitter.com/NFL/status/1327763245029965824
Hamler showed the full arsenal of his skills in 2020, not only with his blazing speed and quickness but also with his toughness and tackle-breaking abilities.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1335761195605749760
Oh yeah, the guy can also win with speed.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1338224388458467328
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1338209225353297920
Hamler has a truly elite and very exciting set of skills from the wide receiver position. He can play in the slot, he can play outside, and the Broncos wore him out running him in motion on just about every play he was on the field in 2020.
Heading into the 2021 season, Hamler can once again be an X-factor for the Broncos’ offense the more consistently he is on the field.