What Is the Future Upside of Denver Broncos WR Cody Latimer?

The Denver Broncos could have found a star in the second round of the 2014 NFL draft. Last year’s wide receiver class could end up being the best in the history of the NFL, and the Broncos decided to move up the draft board in the second round so they could snare Cody Latimer out of Indiana.

Latimer was the 10th receiver off the board in this historic class, and he is arguably the best blocker out of the group. The Broncos added him for his blocking ability, but they mainly added him because of his upside as a pass-catcher.

What is the future upside of Latimer for the Broncos? In this article we take a look.

Rookie Year Disappointment

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Needless to say, Latimer’s first year in the league was a disappointment. Even as a reserve receiver, expectations for Latimer were higher than the two catches for 23 yards he posted in 2014.

Instead of being a part-time red-zone threat, Latimer was rarely used. In fact, Latimer was inactive for eight games as a rookie. He was also inactive for the team’s playoff game against the Indianapolis Colts.

Latimer talked about his struggles in 2014.

“I just needed to have confidence in myself. Last year I was down. [I] was always nervous about getting in the huddle with [QB] Peyton [Manning] and not wanting to mess up,” Latimer projected. ”This year, it's just like go out there and play fast. If you mess up, you mess up, as long as you're playing fast and keep making plays.”

Extra Offseason Work

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With renewed focus, Latimer spent a lot of time working on his game this offseason. While other players may have been taking it easy, Latimer worked almost obsessively to improve his skill set.

The second-year receiver has no doubt about his extra offseason work paying off today in camp.

“Of course it pays off. I'm just getting a whole bunch of reps. Instead of mental reps, I'm actually able to be out on the field and rep and work with [QB] Peyton [Manning] and get a good balance going between me and him, and me and [QB] Brock [Osweiler]. So it's been good and it's helped me a lot.”

Right now, Latimer feels much more advanced than he did last year as a rookie.

“I feel like I'm on a great pace right now. There is always stuff that I can work on, and there are still a lot of things that I do need to work on, but as of right now, in my position this year compared to last year, I'm way ahead.”

Earning Manning’s Trust

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Latimer realizes he must earn the trust of Peyton Manning first and foremost. While being in a huddle with Manning may have made Latimer nervous last year, this season he seems to be more comfortable around the future Hall of Fame quarterback.

Part of the chemistry with Manning was built at offseason workouts Manning holds each year at Duke University.

“Studying—I got a head start down at Duke. Now I go home every night and look over my plays. Even when we're on Day 8 install, you have to go back to Day 1 and just make sure you keep mentally getting the reps because you don't ever know what they're going to call that day.”

Not just anyone can impress Manning. We’ve seen Latimer emphasize his time with Manning during training camp. There are many times after plays when Latimer can be seen picking the Manning's brain as the second- or third-team offense is going through drills.

When Latimer gets on the field this year, Manning should have the utmost confidence in his target.

Lining up Outside

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In the Gary Kubiak offense, Latimer can be used on the outside opposite Demaryius Thomas. We may only see Latimer in a part-time role this year, as he’s the third wide receiver. But it will be an exciting way to shake things up when he comes into the game.

Latimer confirmed his spot on the field.

“Yes, I'm outside. [WR] Emmanuel [Sanders] moves into the slot and [WR] Demaryius [Thomas] is on the other side. I like it, but it really doesn't matter in an offense because just like last year, you could be in the slot sometimes, too.” Latimer emphasized, “You never know where you're going to end up, so you have to be able to play all of them.”

The Broncos are wise to use Latimer on the outside. His size and wingspan make him a mismatch for nearly any corner who has to go up against him. Latimer has the body control to work the sidelines, and he’s also quite capable of catching jump passes in the end zone.

If he's needed in the slot, Latimer can make plays. He’s fearless when running routes over the middle, and his size makes him an intimidating presence in the open field after the catch.

The Future Connection?

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At this time, the quarterback of the future is unknown. Brock Osweiler, a second-round pick in 2012, is in the final year of his contract, but he could earn an extension with the team if he performs well in the preseason.

Latimer likes what he’s seen from Osweiler in training camp so far.

“Brock's always great. He makes plays out here, he takes control of the huddle, he comes in there and it doesn't really make a difference who is out there,” Latimer summarized. “Brock's doing a great job, he knows the offense and he's out here making plays.”

Osweiler has a big arm, and he’s athletic enough to execute the bootlegs Kubiak will require in his offense. Measuring in at 6’7”, he sees the field well, and Osweiler should be able to move the chains off play-action passing.

Having a talent like Latimer on the outside will greatly help the quarterback of the future, whether that’s Osweiler or somebody else.

Summary

It’s easy to see how Latimer could be a future star in this league. He’s been making multiple big plays each day in training camp and looks more focused than ever before.

Last year was a disappointment, but Latimer is ready to prove his value this year as the team’s third wide receiver. He put in plenty of work this offseason, and that hard work has helped build trust with Manning.

He’s got the ability to line up on the outside or in the slot. The Broncos should be able to use Latimer in a number of different ways to attack opponents.

We could see Latimer emerge with the team in the future. At that time, Osweiler may be the starting quarterback, and he’s already built strong chemistry with Latimer over the last two years.

Latimer is looking forward to showcasing his talent this preseason.

“I feel like I'm way more prepared this year. [This season] I'm way more confident. I feel like it will be a good preseason for me.”

Broncos fans should be excited about Latimer’s future upside—but patience is going to be required as he waits for his opportunity.

“My name will get called, and eventually when it gets called, I'm prepared this year. I'm excited about it.”

All quotes and injury/practice observations were obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information was provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats were via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information was provided by Spotrac. Transaction history was provided by Pro Sports Transactions.