Will KJ Hamler Ever Become Fantasy Relevant?
Does anybody know what to make of the Broncos pass catchers with this new Russell Wilson offense? It’s mixed opinions across the board and rightfully so. It’s a guessing game because we haven’t seen it before. Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy are going to be the primary targets. However, are we positive that KJ Hamler can’t become fantasy relevant in this offense?
It’s not a perfect comparison but if there is someone that can represent what Tyler Lockett gave Wilson in Seattle, Hamler is your guy. Wilson is so good at adapting the play and targeting guys deep down the field. We all can picture about five of those throws right now that Lockett reeled in deep down the field. Again, this is a role that is PERFECT for Hamler.
KJ went to Penn State. He’s not dumb. He knows what he has to do and has been studying for this role.
“I’m a big fan of Tyler’s game, and me and him have talked a lot,” Hamler recently told The Athletic. “I’ve just been picking his brain, like, ‘How does Russ handle these situations?’ It’s being a sponge, absorbing knowledge from two Pro Bowl guys. I put on Tyler’s film and I’m like, ‘OK, he did this and he did that.’ And then it’s, ‘OK, I can do all this.’ I’ve just got to go out there and play and get back on the field.”
Add in Tim Patrick tearing his ACL in practice (unfortunate) and there is a real pathway for targets in this offense. I’m not sure how pass happy Denver will be but there is a big difference between being third and fourth on the depth chart. As a former second round pick, Hamler is going to be given his chance to shine in 2022. I was semi-high on Hamler coming into the draft.
Hamler’s stock is never going to be lower than it is right now. Injuries and mental health issues have put the former Nittany Lions wide receiver behind the 8-ball. However, all indications are right now that Hamler is healthy and ready to go. Remember, a lot of these young wide receivers just aren’t ready to go right away as rookies. The old rule of thumb before all these new alien receivers started entering the league was that year three was the time to target these guys. That’s where we stand today with Hamler.
There is one issue, of course. How do you know when to start him? That’s going to be an issue in non-best ball leagues. One week Hamler might go off catching two long bombs for touchdowns. The next week it’s two receptions for 19 yards. I don’t need to tell you that if you owned Tyler Lockett over the years in fantasy. Maybe Hamler simply isn’t worth the risk for that very reason.
Fantasy fortune is nothing but a spinning wheel. Sometimes you have to take a chance to get the glory. Though the wheel spins the Eagle eye knows where it’s going to stop. I usually trust my instinct on these things. I do believe there is a pathway for Hamler to be relevant but my best guess is Jeudy will be the one that really impacts winning in fantasy. If you draft any Broncos wide receiver, put your stock in Jeudy first.
