Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler and the path to fantasy stardom

The Broncos have a duo of rookie wide receivers destined for greatness

Any fantasy hopes for the Denver Broncos receiver corps look as if they will be attached to Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport tweeted out the news on Monday that star third-year wide receiver Courtland Sutton is suffered a significant knee injury in the Week Two loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers and will be out for the remainder of the 2020 season.

Drew Lock also left the game early, leaving journeyman backup Jeff Driskel to finish the game. Surprisingly, Driskel actually played pretty well. He threw for 256 yards with two touchdowns and an interception but kept the offense moving. With Lock looking as if he could miss multiple weeks with a shoulder injury, expectations should still be lowered with Driskel at the helm but it was certainly an encouraging start.

Jerry Jeudy is now the Broncos WR1

The Broncos made a statement when they took Jerry Jeudy with the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. The former Alabama Crimson Tide receiver was a big-play threat every time he touched the ball in college, finishing his career with 26 touchdowns in 42 games.

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Jeudy doesn’t have the prototypical size that you look for from wide receivers but he’s a dynamic player and an incredibly nuanced route runner. He can get open at will and has shown the ability to line up both outside and in the slot. Once the ball is in his hands he has the ability to make players miss and turn short passes into big gains.

The Broncos made it clear what they thought of Jeudy by taking a wide receiver as high as they did. They wouldn’t have done so if they didn’t think that he was capable of being a huge piece of their offense but Sutton’s injury means that they could be relying on him being the focal point of the passing game sooner rather than later. He left the game with a rib injury in Week 2 but returned to finish with four catches for 62 yards. If you have your choice of WRs, he should be your top choice.

KJ Hamler could be a top waiver wire claim

When you’re looking at the fantasy Week 3 waiver wire, especially in deeper leagues, you’re probably looking at uninspiring veterans or unproven players who have had the best games of their careers. KJ Hamler could offer something different.

Hamler was expected to be one of the fastest players at the NFL Scouting Combine but didn’t run the 40-yard dash due to a hamstring injury. His acceleration and speed were clear for all to see during his time in college at Penn State, though, and he proved himself an electric playmaker.

Hamler was limited in preseason training camp due to injury and the Broncos waited until Week 2 to hand him his NFL debut. He didn’t disappoint, catching three passes for 48 yards while also rushing once for nine yards. Hamler is undersized so don’t expect him competing for jump balls in the end zone but there aren’t many players in the league who can catch him when he gets going and he’ll benefit from an increased role. Put in a waiver claim before it’s too late.