Denver Broncos: 11 young players to watch closely at training camp

4. KJ Hamler, WR (age: 22)

Concern is probably not the right word when it comes to second-year receiver KJ Hamler.

With that being said, the Denver Broncos played it safe with Hamler in the offseason program in regards to hamstring issues that have plagued Hamler since the 2019 season at Penn State.

Maybe concern is the right word.

At Denver Broncos training camp in 2021, we’re going to need to see consistent availability from the team’s second-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft.

Hamler has elite speed, and that speed undoubtedly translates to the field. To Hamler’s credit, despite those hamstring issues he played in 13 out of 16 games as a rookie, and showed some toughness taking big hits, too.

Hamler’s hamstring problems need to, for the most part, disappear in 2021. You would hate to see those continue to linger throughout his career and for Hamler to become like Will Fuller, an outstanding player who is good for only about 10 or 11 games every year.

Training camp will also be key for discovering what the Denver Broncos envision Hamler’s role in the offense being.

The Broncos will undoubtedly be using a lot of 11 personnel with three receivers on the field at a time, so just like some running back duos are considered “1A” and “1B”, Hamler is sort of going to function as an honorary starter.

At least, that is how I see it.

He will be out on the field as much as his health allows. The Broncos should not feel bad about playing it safe with Hamler, but he’s got to do his part to stay on the field, too.