Wide Receiver KJ Hamler, A Smart 2nd-Round Pick For The Denver Broncos?

By Jordan Long

The NFL draft was completed this past weekend.  Denver’s draft rated high by NFL experts.  For the next few days, I am going to take a look back at some of their selections.  Today is wide receiver KJ Hamler.

                Hamler was a bit of a surprise.  Denver already drafted wide receiver Jerry Jeudy in the 1^st-round, 15^th overall.  It didn’t seem the Broncos needed another wide receiver.  Hamler was taken by Denver in the 2^nd round, 46^th overall.

                Hamler played his college football for Penn State.  His offensive numbers don’t stand out.   In 2 years for Penn State Helmer caught 98 passes for 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns.  His average yards per catch was 16.9 yards.   It didn’t seem like Denver had to reach to pick him in the 2^nd round.

                Hamler was also a returner for Penn State on kickoffs and punts.  On kick returns, he averaged 23.5 yards per return but didn’t score a touchdown.  On punt returns, he averaged 6 yards but didn’t run one back for a touchdown. All these stats don’t scream as a can’t miss draft pick in the 2^nd round. A 2^nd-round selection should be a guy who can be a starter but who knows if Hamler will be.

                Hamler is expected to compete to be the slot receiver.  Denver is projected to have Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy lined up on opposite sides at wide receiver.  That leaves Hamler, DaeSean Hamilton, and Tim Patrick fighting to be the slot receiver.  Denver hasn’t had a dependable slot receiver since Wes Welker was on the team from 2013 to 2014.  Hamler may be faster than Hamilton and Patrick which will help him be open and make defenders miss for first downs or longer when he catches the football.

                Hamler could also help in the return game.  Right now, Diontae Spencer is the return specialist. Last year he averaged 8 yards per return on punts and 29.1 for kickoffs.  It is unlikely Spencer is going to lose his starting position, but Hamler gives Denver another player who can handle those duties.

                Denver may have chosen Hamler a little early, but he was difficult to pass on even though they had many other needs. This gives quarterback Drew Lock another weapon on offense.  Preseason will determine his role.  A grade on this pick to me is a B just because they didn’t have to take him when they did.  If Denver didn’t, he may have been available later or a player with his ability would have still been on the board.