Penn State wide receiver KJ Hamler (1) scores after catching a pass from quarterback Sean Clifford during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan in State College, Pa., Saturday, Oct. 19, 2019. Penn State won 28-21. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)
WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State
STRENGTHS
—Redshirt sophomore entry to the 2020 draft with big-time speed and post-catch ability.
—Dominant slot receiver who can beat press coverage with speed and quickness.
—Explosive speed off the line of scrimmage; eats up cushions and can separate over the top.
—Leaves man coverage in his dust and is a blur working down the field on vertical routes.
—Safety splitter on go routes.
—Electric runner after the catch.
—Sinks his hips and uses quick feet to break on routes.
WEAKNESSES
—Small for an NFL wide receiver at 5'9" and 178 pounds.
—Limited production in two seasons at Penn State; never had 1,000 yards or 10 TDs in a season.
—Has seen almost no snaps split out at wide receiver after working extensively in the slot.
—Lot of drops on tape calls into question his hand size/strength.
—Opens himself up to hits with unnecessary jumps to attack the ball.
—Lacks the strength to separate with power and does not break tackles.
OVERALL
If K.J. Hamler lands in the right role—one where he can play in the slot and run deep routes—he will be a high-caliber playmaker. He has issues with drops, but what he adds in explosive plays is worthwhile. If he doesn't succeed in the NFL, his lack of size and consistent hands will likely do him in, but the speed and downfield value were too good to pass up.
GRADE: 86
PRO COMPARISON: Will Fuller IV/John Brown
KJ Hamler Drafted by Broncos: Denver's Updated Depth Chart After Round 2
Apr 24, 2020
STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 30: KJ Hamler #1 of the Penn State Nittany Lions carries the ball against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights during the second half at Beaver Stadium on November 30, 2019 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
The Denver Broncos added some speed and big-play ability to their pass-catching unit when they drafted Penn State's KJ Hamler 46th overall on Day 2.
The 20-year-old, who is 5'9" and 178 pounds, was a threat to take it to the house every time he touched the ball in Happy Valley, averaging 16.9 yards per reception and scoring eight touchdowns during his redshirt sophomore year in 2019.
Take a look below at how Hamler should fit into the Broncos depth chart alongside some analysis on his pro prospects.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com called Hamler "high-risk, high-reward" but noted his explosiveness and potential at the next level:
"Explosive slot target who hits the scales as a lightweight but could have heavyweight impact on games. Hamler's blazing speed is used solo and in route combinations to stress secondaries and create big plays. He had an alarming number of drops in 2019 and the routes are ragged, but his athleticism and separation burst on all three levels helps mitigate those concerns. He's a smallish slot who isn't built for the tough yardage and could have durability concerns if he's run into too many collisions. However, speed kills and his game-breaking potential on all three levels will be enticing as a high-risk, high-reward draft pick."
Hamler ranks seventh on Zierlein's list of draft-eligible wideouts.
He didn't run the 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, but one look at his tape shows his game-breaking speed.
Matt Miller of Bleacher Report has Hamler 45th overall on his 50-player big board and ninth among wideouts.
We'll soon find out where Hamler slots in for the Broncos, who are in the market for a wideout to pair with No. 1 Courtland Sutton and first-round pick Jerry Jeudy. His burst should prove to be a strong asset immediately.
Broncos' Vic Fangio: Internet, TV Stopped Working Minutes Before 2020 NFL Draft
Apr 24, 2020
HOUSTON, TX - DECEMBER 8: Head Coach Vic Fangio of the Denver Broncos on the sidelines in the second half of a game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on December 8, 2019 in Houston, Texas. The Broncos defeated the Texans 38-24. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio nearly had a major technical malfunction during the first round of the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday night.
Per The Athletic's Nicki Jhabvala, Fangio explained the internet and television issues he had while on a Zoom call with Broncos general manager John Elway.
"About five minutes before the draft started, everything went out in my house. Not the power, but all the internet, my TV wasn’t working. Everything froze up," Fangio said. "Russ Trainor, who's our IT guy here, was in a little bit of a panic. Luckily some Comcast guys came and they got it fixed in about five minutes, but everything froze."
There was concern throughout the NFL leading up to the draft about the possibility of technical glitches. ESPN'sDianna Russinireported Monday that the league's test run had "many communication issues" because of a problem with bandwidth.
Some teams were taking extra precaution to combat potential technical issues during the draft. Detroit Lions general manager Bob Quinn told ESPN's NFL Live (h/tKirkland Crawfordof the Detroit Free Press) he is keeping an IT specialist in a Winnebago for all seven rounds.
Even though Fangio didn't go to those extreme lengths, he was able to get the necessary help to keep things on track in the first round.
Things worked out well for Fangio and the Broncos after those technical problems, with Alabama star Jerry Jeudy falling to them at No. 15 overall.
Video: Watch Roger Goodell, Jerry Jeudy Do Drake's 'Toosie Slide' on TikTok
Apr 23, 2020
In this still image from video provided by the NFL, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell speaks from his home in Bronxville, N.Y., during the NFL football draft Thursday, April 23, 2020. (NFL via AP)
Draftees aren't able to give NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell a customary hug this year, but former Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy one-upped that tradition by making a "Toosie Slide" TikTok with the commish:
Jeudy went off the board at No. 15 overall to the Denver Broncos during Thursday's 2020 NFL draft.
The draft was converted into a virtual event to accommodate social distancing guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Goodell announced picks from his basement:
Just as Goodell usually hugs draftees on stage, he has grown accustomed to getting booed by fans. He made sure that tradition made its way into the 2020 event:
As for Jeudy, the 21-year-old was the second receiver off the board in this year's class, trailing former Alabama teammate Henry Ruggs III, who joined the Las Vegas Raiders at No. 12.
The draft will continue through Saturday.
John Elway: Broncos 'Were Hoping' Jerry Jeudy Would Be Available at No. 15
Apr 23, 2020
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
Jerry Jeudy slid a bit in the 2020 NFL draft, but the Denver Broncos were thrilled to scoop him up at No. 15.
"We were hoping he was going to be there," general manager John Elway said after the pick on Broncos TV, via Aric DiLalla of the team's official site. "It was a long couple hours."
Elway added his evaluation on Twitter:
Thrilled to be able to select Jerry Jeudy with the 15th overall pick.
He’s an explosive player who was the top WR on our board. Jerry’s an excellent route runner who knows how to get open, and he’s from a winning program at Alabama.
The Alabama product had 2,478 receiving yards and 24 touchdowns over the past two seasons, which could lead to success at the next level.
"He comes in with a lot of experience already having played in the SEC and played against great competition," Elway added, per DiLalla. "... Obviously he's going to be on the opposite side from Courtland [Sutton]."
Jeudy was a highly regarded player throughout college, winning the 2018 Biletnikoff Award as the best receiver in college football. His skill set made him the top receiver and No. 5 overall player in the class, according to Bleacher Report'sMatt Miller.
The rest of the league didn't feel the same way Thursday, as he fell out of the top 10. Meanwhile, thethe Las Vegas Raiders took his Alabama teammate, Henry Ruggs III, with the No. 12 overall pick.
Denver was the winner in Elway's mind, adding an elite weapon to the offense alongside Pro Bowl wideout Courtland Sutton, tight end Noah Fant and others.
His presence will certainly help the development of young quarterback Drew Lock.
Jerry Jeudy's Fantasy Outlook After Broncos Select WR in 2020 NFL Draft
Apr 23, 2020
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy runs a drill at the NFL football scouting combine in Indianapolis, Thursday, Feb. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
If Jerry Jeudy is as productive at the NFL level as he was for the Alabama Crimson Tide, he will be a game-changer for fantasy football players.
The wide receiver will have the chance to swing fantasy matchups after the Denver Broncos selected him with the No. 15 overall pick of the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday.
Few players in all of college football were as dominant as Jeudy the past two years.
The 20-year-old helped lead Alabama to the College Football Playoff National Championship Game in 2018 behind 68 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns and then followed with 77 catches for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019.
While a crowded receivers room, especially for rookies, is a real concern for fantasy players looking for playmakers who are going to see plenty of targets, Jeudy proved he can put up head-turning numbers even playing in a loaded offense.
He shared the position with Henry Ruggs III, DeVonta Smith and Jaylen Waddle on the Crimson Tide last season and still managed to surpass the 1,000-yard mark even facing the opponent's top corner on a regular basis and with Najee Harris seeing plenty of action out of the backfield.
In his final seven-round mock draft, Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected Jeudy as the No. 15 overall pick and noted the Broncos appeared to be infatuated with him.
"It may take a trade up to pull this off, but by the end of Round 1, there's a very good chance that Jerry Jeudy will be a Denver Bronco," Miller wrote.
Jerry Jeudy does a great job of reading leverage and using it against the defender. He's very Peter Warrick-like in how he sets up defenders to make them miss
That route running should help Jeudy put up impressive numbers in his first season as a significant part of Denver's offense, which will make him worth an early- to middle-round gamble during fantasy drafts.
The Broncos don't have many game-changing wide receivers outside of Courtland Sutton, which means Jeudy should see enough targets to be a viable fantasy weapon even if the offense is primarily driven by the rushing attack of Melvin Gordon III and Phillip Lindsay.
Jerry Jeudy, Courtland Sutton, Noah Fant, Melvin Gordon, Phil Lindsay. Drew Lock has some pieces around him.
Rookie wide receivers are always tough to project, given the learning curve at the position. Having an unproven quarterback like Drew Lock doesn't make that projection any easier. For now, treat Jeudy like a WR4 with big-time upside. But expect him to be Denver's No. 2 receiver, at least early on.
Jerry Jeudy Drafted by Broncos: Denver's Updated Depth Chart After Round 1
Apr 23, 2020
FAYETTEVILLE, AR - NOVEMBER 9: Jerry Jeudy #4 of the Alabama Crimson Tide warms up before a game against the Mississippi State Bulldogs at Davis Wade Stadium on November 16, 2019 in Starkville, Mississippi. The Crimson Tide defeated the Bulldogs 38-7. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
Jeudy is universally regarded as one of the best wideouts in this year's class. He caught 159 passes for 2,742 yards and 26 touchdowns in three years with the Crimson Tide. The junior saved his best for last, catching six passes for 204 yards and one score in Alabama's 2019 Citrus Bowl win over Michigan.
Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner ranked Jeudy as the No. 1 wide receiver prospect in this year's draft class, adding: "He may not look like Julio Jones or Amari Cooper from a body perspective, but Jeudy is every bit as good a prospect as those two coming out of Alabama."
In recent years, the first round of the draft hasn't been fertile ground for dynamic pass-catchers. Instead, teams have had better luck a little later on. Of the 13 receivers named to the 2020 Pro Bowl, only four were first-rounders in their respective drafts.
Jeudy should prove more than worthy of the Broncos' investment this early.
The Crimson Tide star is the complete package and can immediately become the No. 1 passing option in Denver's offense.
Jeudy's 85-yard touchdown catch against the Wolverines demonstrated his big-play ability. He may not have track star-type speed, but he's quick enough to beat a secondary over the top.
Jeudy undoubtedly benefited from the impressive depth at the skill positions for Alabama.
Tua Tagovailoa is arguably the greatest quarterback in program history, and the Las Vegas Raiders selected fellow Alabama wideout Henry Ruggs III at No. 12 overall. Next year, DeVonta Smith—who returned to Tuscaloosa for the 2020 season—is likely to be among the best receivers on the board.
The fact Jeudy shined so brightly alongside Ruggs and Smith speaks to his talent, though. He was the standout player in a receiving corps that featured three potential NFL regulars.
Jeudy is exactly the piece the Broncos needed to pair with Drew Lock in 2020.
Denver released Joe Flacco in March, thus turning the offense over to Lock, who threw for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions in five starts.
Courtland Sutton took a big step forward in 2019, reaching his first Pro Bowl. Beyond Sutton, the Broncos were thin at receiver.
Now, they have a potent 1-2 combo that will grow along with Lock as he embarks on his first full season as the starter.
Jerry Jeudy NFL Draft 2020: Scouting Report for Denver Broncos' Pick
Apr 23, 2020
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arkansas, Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019, in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (AP Photo/Vasha Hunt)
—Elite route-runner with top-tier explosiveness, balance, agility and body control.
—Ankle-breaking burst in and out of breaks.
—Downfield speed to break through defenses vertically as a route-runner, but also brings yards-after-catch ability.
—Highly productive threat in the open field and in the red zone.
—Varies up his speed and moves to beat defenders in press or zone coverage.
—Reaches his top-end speed quickly; all routes look like a "go" from the first steps.
—Smooth, easy hips.
—Isn't afraid of press coverage or contact.
—Good enough route-runner to immediately be one of the NFL's best receivers.
WEAKNESSES
—Lean body that lacks muscle tone.
—Some drops on tape where the ball gets into his frame.
—One of four wide receivers at Alabama projected to be a first-round pick.
—Could be faster out of breaks when working back to the middle of the field.
OVERALL
Jeudy doesn't have elite size or track-star speed, but he's a well-rounded wide receiver with excellent NFL-level traits in routes, agility, hands, vision and burst. Jeudy is scheme proof and would fit as a true No. 1 wide receiver in any NFL offense. However, he would thrive in a scheme that favors breaking routes and will give him room to run after the catch.
GRADE: 95
PRO COMPARISON: Odell Beckham Jr./DJ Chark Jr.
John Elway Says Broncos Are Unlikely to Trade Up from No. 15 in 2020 NFL Draft
Apr 23, 2020
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 01: General manager and President of Football Operations of the Denver Broncos John Elway stands on the sideline during the fourth quarter of a game between the Denver Broncos and the Los Angeles Chargers at Empower Field at Mile High on December 1, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 23-20. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
The 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL draft doesn't appear to be for sale.
"We feel comfortable at [No.] 15 that we're going to get a good football player so, instead of reaching for one, most likely we stay put," Denver Broncos general manager John Elway told ESPN's Ed Werder on Thursday afternoon. "But never say never."
The Broncos have an impressive track record at No. 15 overall:
Bleacher Report's Matt Miller projected the Broncos to take former Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy at No. 15 in his final mock draft—if Jeudy falls that far:
"Team president John Elway finally has his young quarterback to groom in Drew Lock. As such, he's expected to begin building an offense around his second-year passer to give him the best possible weapons. Adding Jeudy to a cast that includes wide receiver Courtland Sutton, running back Melvin Gordon III and tight end Noah Fant is a great way to bolster the offense."
The Broncos selected Lock in the second round (42nd overall) last year.
The 23-year-old started the last five games in 2019 and jolted the Broncos offense. Denver went 4-1 in December while Lock completed 64.1 percent of his passes for 1,020 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Broncos (7-9) finished last season with the 28th-ranked offense and 12th-ranked defense, which suggests improving the offense is a bigger need in Thursday's draft. The team has not made the postseason since winning the Super Bowl in 2015.
Denver owns 10 picks in the draft, which begins at 8 p.m. ET and will run through Saturday.
Jerry Jeudy Rumors: Broncos Could Trade Up for Alabama WR in 2020 NFL Draft
Apr 19, 2020
Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy (4) runs after a reception against Michigan during the first half of the Citrus Bowl NCAA college football game, Wednesday, Jan. 1, 2020, in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
The Denver Broncos reportedly could land one of the best offensive playmakers in all of college football during the first round of the 2020 NFL draft on Thursday.
Woody Paige of the Colorado Springs Gazette was asked what he believes the AFC West team will do with the No. 15 overall pick, and he cited sources who said Denver could trade up to the Nos. 8 or 10 picks to draft Alabama wide receiver Jerry Jeudy.
Denver could use the depth at wide receiver.
Emmanuel Sanders was second to onlyCourtlandSutton in receiving yards at the position for the Broncos last year, and he suited up for them in just seven games before they traded him to the San Francisco 49ers. Sutton is a game-changing presence who tallied 1,112 receiving yards in 2019, but he will face double-teams throughout the 2020 campaign if there aren't more pieces around him.
Jeudyis someone who could thrive in single coverage while opponents are focused on Sutton.
He finished the 2018 campaign at Alabama with 68 catches for 1,315 yards and 14 touchdowns before posting 77 catches for 1,163 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2019. He did all that while playing in a loaded offense featuringNajeeHarris in the backfield and HenryRuggsIII,DevontaSmith andJaylenWaddle at wide receiver.
Bleacher Report'sMatt MillerlistedJeudyas the No. 5 overall player in the draft on his latest big board and the No. 1 wide receiver.
The Broncos will surely have to move up to select him, but there is plenty of depth at the position if they choose to go elsewhere. Of Miller's top 50 players, 10 of them are wide receivers.
Jeudymay be the best of the bunch, but those who wait to take the position will likely also add a game-changing presence.
WR K.J. Hamler, Penn State
