Will Cody Latimer's history of lackluster production prevent him from making the Denver Broncos roster, or will he realize his potential and stay on the team?
The Denver Broncos drafted Cody Latimer in the second-round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the hopes that he develops into one of the team's top receivers. So far, he as been a disappointment, catching just 16 receptions for 158 yards and one touchdowns during his first three seasons in the league.
There was a lot to like about Latimer coming out of college. He was one of the most athletic receivers in the 2014 draft class. His 4.44-second 40-yard dash time combined with his 6-2, 215-pound frame, provided the notion that he could potentially develop into a one of the league's top receivers due to his size adjusted speed. He was also productive in college, catching 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns.
Optimism engulfed the air once Latimer was drafted by the Broncos. Peyton Manning, one of the best quarterbacks to have every played the game, was getting a highly athletic young prospect to throw the ball to in Denver's high-volume passing attack. The stage was set for Latimer to hit the field and become the team's new star wide receiver.
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Things didn't pan out for the young wide receiver, as he struggled to get on the field during the first three years of his career. Every year, training camp would consist of rave reviews of how Latimer was finally hitting his potential, and how he was elected to be a candidate to finally breakout.
The Denver Broncos drafted Carlos Henderson, wide receiver from Louisiana Tech in the third round of this year's draft. Henderson was drafted to push for the team's third wide receiver spot and to eventually develop into one of the team's top receivers. He was considered one of the top wide receiver prospects in this year's draft class. Henderson specializes in stretching the field with his speed and by picking up extra yards after the catch, which is very similar to Latimer's skill set.
The addition of Henderson should be a shot in the arm for Latimer to step up his game, because if he doesn't then he will be on the outside looking in for the fourth straight season. This is the last year on his contract with the Broncos and he will need a good showing if he wants to be able to latch onto another team next year.
The team also drafted Isaiah McKenzie in the fifth round of this year's draft to take over kick and punt return duties for the team. He is also another obstacle in Latimer's way to getting more playing in 2017. The team picked up Hunter Sharp who was a highly productive receiver fromm Utah State on Dec. 16 (of 2016) and placed him on the team's practice squad. Although he's not a blue chip prospect, he does have the ability to crack the roster and become competition for Latimer in training camp.
Not only does he need to immensely improve in order to crack the starting but he is in danger of not making the roster for the 2017 season. Latimer would only cost the team $254,300 against the cap if the Broncos were to cut him, making him an easy cut-candidate if he doesn't produce during training camp. For him to prevent this, he will need to figure out a way to reach his potential and become the player the Broncos thought they were getting when they drafted him.
The final chapter isn't written for his career with the Broncos and there is still a chance that he can carve a role with this team. If he can improve and beat out some of the new receivers on the team then he could potentially see more playing time in 2017. I feel that he's going to experience an uphill battle in training camp due to the new competition that the team acquired. He also has a track record of not being able to demonstrate that he's capable of being an every down player.
Latimer has the talent to be the team's third wide receiver on the depth chart, but it's also just as likely that he's incapable of outplaying the other receivers on the roster for the third spot on the roster.
