Denver Broncos: How KJ Hamler can break out in year two

The Denver Broncos would love to see every second-year player take the next step forward in their game, but one player that’s getting a little underrated in 2021 so far is 2020 second-round pick, KJ Hamler. Hamler had an exciting rookie season for the Denver Broncos in spurts, but he’ll be expected to play an even bigger role in 2021.

What is that going to look like?

How can the Denver Broncos see improvement from the former Penn State star, tangibly?

Pat Shurmur will have to be involved. Wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni will have to be involved.

Hamler will have to do his part to take that next step as well, and honestly one of the primary questions with Hamler at this particular point in time is health.

Dating back to the end of his Penn State days, Hamler has struggled with hamstring issues. To Hamler’s credit, despite what seemed like a significant hamstring issue in 2020, he played in 13 games as a rookie.

At OTAs in June, Hamler was relegated to side work basically as a precaution with the hamstring, but is that always going to be in the back of everyone’s mind? Are we always going to be worried about Hamler being hurt at any given time?

Hopefully, that’s not the case.

Hamler’s a tough player with massive upside. His speed is a true game-changer and the Denver Broncos obviously have big plans for him.

How can he take the next step in 2021? Here are a few ways.