Denver Broncos need to sign this speedy veteran WR ASAP
The Denver Broncos have a deep wide receiver group, but KJ Hamler going on the PUP highlights the potential need for even more depth going forward.
The Denver Broncos are about to open training camp, and they’ll do so with young wide receiver KJ Hamler on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list.
Although we’ve talked all offseason about the intriguing names on the Denver Broncos’ roster at the wide receiver position — and there are many — Hamler’s absence will undoubtedly highlight the team’s need for even more.
Yes, just like before the NFL Draft I’m suggesting the Denver Broncos still need help at the wide receiver position.
Otherwise, they might be doomed to repeat recent history.
Let’s take a not-so-fun trip down memory lane, shall we?
In 2019, the Denver Broncos’ top two receivers in targets were Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton. Why?
Tim Patrick suffered an injury and was unavailable for most of the season. Emmanuel Sanders was also traded to the 49ers that year.
In 2020, the Denver Broncos’ top two receivers in targets were Jerry Jeudy and Tim Patrick.
That wasn’t all bad, except for the fact that Courtland Sutton missed almost the entire season with a knee injury.
In 2021, the Denver Broncos were again scraping the barrel for receiver help, even though they had Courtland Sutton and Tim Patrick available almost all year.
Jerry Jeudy suffered an injury in week one. KJ Hamler suffered an injury in week two. After that, the Broncos were signing players like David Moore and John Brown, and giving them snaps during the season.
Injuries can pave the way for guys to really make a name for themselves, so there’s nothing really wrong with the next man up mentality and building your roster accordingly.
However, as we sit here on the eve of training camp, there are players at the receiver position still available that would be worth taking a shot on.
Specifically, there is one guy who could provide you with some desperately needed insurance for KJ Hamler.
That guy is none other than former first-round pick Will Fuller, a player who established himself as an elite deep threat very early in his NFL career.
Unfortunately, like many NFL players, Fuller’s ability to be a consistently high-impact player has been ruined by injuries.
Why sign an injury-prone player? Why not just roll with the depth you have?
The reason is simple — now is the time to take calculated risks if you’re an NFL general manager. Now is the time to add players like Fuller to your 90-man roster if you’ve got an opportunity to do so.
Russell Wilson is one of the best deep ball throwers in the entire NFL.
Will Fuller is a player who, when healthy, is one of the best deep ball receivers in the NFL.
It has the potential to be a lightning in a bottle type of situation if you’re the Denver Broncos and it’s a risk worth taking.
Wide receiver is often mistaken by fans as a non-premiere position. But it is.
It’s one of the most important positions in the game today.
Last year, the Broncos thought they had adequate depth at the position and they were caught with their pants down when two key guys went down with long-term injuries.
Even if you get guys back, like the Broncos did with Jerry Jeudy last year, you’re not guaranteed they’re going to be the same player upon returning.
Signing a player like Will Fuller now could pay huge dividends for the Broncos down the line, but his name is not the only one that should be considered.
The Broncos should also be considering players like Odell Beckham Jr.
This is a team with championship aspirations. Signing star players like Beckham or Fuller seems superfluous but when you’re talking about the kind of depth you need to contend in today’s NFL, they are anything but.