Broncos Select K.J. Hamler with No. 46 pick in NFL Draft

Broncos offense becomes even more dynamic with WR K.J. Hamler added in

SI Staff | Apr 24, 2020

The Denver Broncos selected WR K.J. Hamler with the No. 46 pick of the 2020 NFL Draft. Raised in Pontiac, Michigan, Kahlee Jacoby (K.J.) Hamler first attended St. Mary's Preparatory School in Orchard Lake, MI. Hamler transferred to the football factory at IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida prior to his senior year. A stroke of bad luck, Hamler tore his ACL during a preseason game in 2016 and never played a regular season contest for the Ascenders.

Hamler is a smaller receiver (5-foot-9, 178 pounds) who can really take the top off a defense as a speed demon. Given his injury history, and his size, there are durability concerns at the next level. Projected as a slot receiver, working the middle of the field is going to lead to a lot of big hits coming his way. His speed is an awesome tool for an offense, but his impact is going to be limited due to his size. Hamler also needs to work on his pass-catching technique. While he will be able to refine his technical skills, his growth spurts are likely finished.

Looking at his upside, Hamler has blazing speed, a quick burst, plus elusiveness to be a productive slot receiver. He is also a versatile weapon and will be the nucleolus of an explosive kick return team. In 2019, Hamler caught 56 passes for 904 yards while averaging 16.1 yards per catch with eight touchdowns. He was also on the Nittany Lions kick return team during his final two seasons at Penn State.

Over two years in Happy Valley, Hamler appeared in 26 games catching 98 passes for 1,658 yards and 13 touchdowns while averaging 16.9 yards a catch. In 2018, He averaged 109.0 all-purpose yards a game and then 122.0 YPG during his final season.

2019 stats (Junior; Penn State): 904 receiving yards, 8 TD, 43 rush yards (13 games)

2018 stats (Freshman; Penn State): 754 receiving yards, 5 TD, 44 rush yards, 1 TD (13 games)

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Published Apr 24, 2020

SI STAFF