Denver Broncos: KJ Hamler can be an X-Factor in 2021
“Speed. I am speed.” This Lightning McQueen quote is great for Denver Broncos wide receiver KJ Hamler.
This quote is definitely a solid representation of Denver Broncos KJ Hamler; however, it does not definitively tell the whole story of who he is as a player. Hamler’s best trait is obviously the speed at which he can run. Yet, when you break down him as a talent, there is far more to him than running a fly or go route.
We will talk about Hamler’s speed in a little bit, but it’s important to remember three areas Hamler excels at.
First and foremost, Hamler is more physical than people give him credit for. By no means is he a Courtland Sutton, Demaryius Thomas, Brandon Marshall breed. Those are strictly different specimens. Yet, Hamler still has to show he is more than a one-trick pony.
One play in particular during his time at Penn State truly depicts the toughness Hamler can display when a defender is closing on him over the middle. Due to the size of Hamler players might believe he is an easy target for the big hit. In reality, Hamler can respond with a physical presence in his own right.
It certainly was not during the process of a catch and due to the corner potentially not having the best balance, but Hamler became the enforcer against Pittsburgh’s Joe Haden knocking him to the ground. It might not seem much to some, but these simple acts allow a player like Hamler to get more comfortable performing with more toughness and physicality.
Second is the route running. Coming into the NFL Draft of 2020, the craze for route running was on players like Justin Jefferson and Broncos wide receiver Jerry Jeudy. Jeudy was widely regarded as one of the best players to be a route runner league had seen in some time.
For Hamler, he’s so quick in and out of his breaks that once he brings speed and quickness he is difficult to contain. The sharpness is hard for a defensive back to snap decision to quickly be able of jumping a route. Hamler is not on a Jeudy level for route running, but he is close than people think.
Lastly is special teams. Hamler has the versatility to where he can be an offensive weapon and a special teams weapon. Denver has never had such a player for quite some time. Even strictly on the special teams front, Denver’s largest impact came from Trindon Holliday who later became a liability due to his fumbling issues.
However, the dazzling returns are something Hamler can bring back due to his return ability on both kickoffs and punt returns. In every way possible, Denver must find a way to get their best players the football and in space. Hamler in space is a nightmare for someone on special teams.
He has the one-cut moves that create quick separation from defenders. He’s a home run-hitting wide receiver capable of being dynamic on offense and special teams. Once again, he’s electric.
It’s not far-fetched to think Hamler is one of the many X-Factor players on this Denver Broncos roster for 2021.