Denver Broncos: Tale of the tape, jersey number edition

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Miles the Denver Broncos mascots entertains the fans during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 03: Miles the Denver Broncos mascots entertains the fans during the third quarter against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Browns 24-19. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
5 of 7
DENVER – SEPTEMBER 26: Jason Elam #1 of the Denver Broncos kicks during the game with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 26, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 30-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)
DENVER – SEPTEMBER 26: Jason Elam #1 of the Denver Broncos kicks during the game with the Kansas City Chiefs on September 26, 2005 at Invesco Field at Mile High stadium in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos won 30-10. (Photo by Brian Bahr/Getty Images)

While multiple players around the league have decided to change numbers, the Denver Broncos had just four. Among the four, two stood out.

KJ Hamler decided to go back to his collegiate days and will be wearing number one, and Micheal Ojemudia will be switching to number thirteen.

In the battles of numbers one and thirteen, these were some interesting bouts. One historical Denver Bronco, and then Trevor Siemian.

1 – KJ Hamler vs Jason Elam

Hamler (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) vs Elam (5-foot-11, 195 pounds)

Second-year wideout KJ Hamler is explosive. The former Penn State playmaker had himself a solid rookie campaign, totaling 30 receptions for 381 yards and three touchdowns. He also had nine rushes for 40 yards, providing a bit of a chess piece for this Denver Broncos offense.

In 2021, he was targeted 56 times as a rookie. This number could rise slightly in 2021, but I wouldn’t expect by much. What I do expect to see is a rise in, is the number of receptions.

Inconsistency at quarterback, and being pressed into a role he may have not been ready for provided some hiccups in his rookie campaign. With bonafide number one wide receiver Courtland Sutton returning from injury, distinguished route runner in Jerry Jeudy having another year of experience, things should open up for Hamler.

Reasonable predictions for Hamler could be around 600-800 yards and 6-8 touchdowns on a yearly basis. This is not mind-blowing, but it is important to remember Sutton and Jeudy should very well surpass 1,000-plus yards every year, and Fant is still on this roster.

Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams also will see their fair share of touches. If Hamler was to push this production for say 8 years, he would produce anywhere from 4800-6400 yards and 64 touchdowns.

This would ultimately make Hamler responsible for 384 points as a Denver Bronco.

How would this stack up against the current all-time greatest number one in Denver Broncos’ history, Jason Elam?

Elam holds two impressive records for the Denver Broncos, one being most points and the other being games played. The former kicker of the Denver Broncos, Elam scored 1,786 points over his 236 games played with the Broncos.

That will be a record that will more than likely live in infamy. Elam also booted a 63-yard field goal in 1998 and had a field goal percentage of 81% and an extra point percentage of 99.5.

Who would win in a 40-yard dash, Hamler or Elam?

Kidding, but as far as longevity and being the ultimate Denver Bronco, Elam is going to be tough to beat out.

Advantage: Jason Elam

Schedule