The Broncos suffered a major blow to its offense yesterday when Tim Patrick suffered a season-ending ACL injury. This is the third straight year that the Broncos lost a receiver to an ACL injury. With Patrick gone for the season, it opens the door for third-year speedster KJ Hamler and his now booming 2022 fantasy outlook.
Patrick opens up 85 targets for 53 receptions and 734 yards and many of these vacated targets will be going Hamler’s way. Hamler, who suffered an ACL injury last season, was activated from the PUP list earlier this week and has participated in two straight practices for the Broncos. With a 4.32 40-yard-dash at his Pro Day and comparisons to legendary field stretcher DeSean Jackson, Hamler is dripping with Tyler Lockett’s weekly boom or bust fantasy value as Russell Wilson’s deep ball specialist.
In just three games last season with some of the worst quarterback play in the NFL, Hamler impressed with his limited opportunity. Hamler saw an average depth of target (ADOT) of 20.1 yards and was used primarily as the Broncos’ field stretcher before his injury. Now with the NFL’s best deep ball passer and a new look offense, Hamler has the skill-set to take over as Wilson’s favorite deep ball target. During the 2021 season, Lockett finished as the No. 1 deep ball receiver in the NFL with over 600 yards receiving on passes of over 20 air yards.
Head coach Nathaniel Hackett has been impressed with Hamler’s return from his ACL injury.
“He’s done a really good job,” Hackett said, “I give him so much credit for [having] the injury that he had. To be able to come out here and do the RVAs and the individual [work] that he’s doing is awesome. It’s great to see him in that training room [and] how hard he works.
During his 2020 rookie season, Hamler ranked 19th in yards per route run (2.32) vs man coverage. With more opportunity to see the field, Hamler’s ability to blow the top off a defense might be the X factor for the Broncos this season. If Hamler can take advantage of the opportunity ahead of him, he has a chance to be one of the best late-round stabs in both redraft and Underdog Fantasy best ball.
SUMMARY
Hamler sits at WR 65 (+19 vs ECR) and 141 overall in The Wolf’s 2022 Fantasy Rankings and he should only ascend throughout training camp.
Hamler should be viewed as a WR4/Flex option in redraft leagues with the shot of breaking out week to week. Hamler’s ADP on Underdog Fantasy is currently 193.50 and is a great late-round dart throw in best ball drafts.
Take advantage of Hamler’s absurdly low ADP in Underdog Fantasy. Download the Underdog Fantasy app, use promo code RSJ or click the link, get a 100% first deposit match up to $100, and dominate their season-long best ball tournaments.
