In the 30 days leading up to the start of Denver Broncos Training Camp 2016, we’re examining 30 big questions for the season. We’ll make a case for each answer; you’ll vote and tell Broncos Country what’s going to happen this year.
Among the names that abandoned the Denver Broncos for greener pastures following their Super Bowl 50 victory, veteran wide receiver Andre “Bubba” Caldwell is one player who will leave a big opportunity for a deep pool of talent behind him.
Despite only catching 32 passes for 337 yards during his four years in Denver, Caldwell solidified himself as the No. 3 receiver on a team that has been loaded with receiver talent from the moment he joined the Broncos via free agency prior to the 2012 season.
With receivers like Eric Decker, Demaryius Thomas and Emmanuel Sanders occupying the first and second receiver positions during Caldwell’s time as a Bronco, it was never his job to put up huge numbers. His role was to to provide veteran leadership, contribute on special teams and make plays when his number was called.
Now that Caldwell is a member of the Detroit Lions, the Broncos will need to find someone to fill the void that he left. Luckily, they have a few potential candidates.
Bennie Fowler joined the Broncos as an undrafted free agent prior to the 2014 season, spent a year on the practice squad, then made quite the impact on the field during his first year campaign. Fowler played in all 16 games for the Broncos in 2015, catching 16 passes for 203 yards. Fowler scored the final two points of Super Bowl 50, catching what turned out to be Peyton Manning’s final completion in the NFL. If he picks up where he left off, the spot could be his to lose.
The Broncos selected Cody Latimer in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft with the idea that he would see significant time at receiver sooner or later. With Caldwell gone, this is the perfect opportunity for Latimer to slide into the third receiver spot and see some serious action. Latimer has struggled in the NFL so far. Over two seasons, he has caught eight passes for 82 yards and one touchdown. If Latimer doesn’t capitalize on this opportunity, it could very well be his last.
Jordan Norwood is another potential suitor for the position. Listed at 5-foot-11 and 171 pounds, Norwood seems to fit the mold of a slot receiver. During the 2015 season, Norwood’s first with the Broncos, he caught 22 passes for 207 yards despite appearing in only 11 regular season games. His 32 targets were third among wide receivers. He played in all three playoff games, catching three more passes for 26 yards but he made his biggest mark on the biggest stage when he returned a punt 61 yards against the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 for a record-setting touchdown. Norwood has the size and speed to fill the slot, and his versatility on special teams could be what lands him the job.
Jordan Taylor is the dark horse in the race for the third receiver position. Nicknamed “Sunshine” the second year receiver out of Rice University spent 2015 on the practice squad and was notably Peyton Manning’s right-hand man while Manning worked his way back from the plantar fasciitis that forced him to miss six games. Manning made it clear that Taylor is someone to look out for heading into the season. If the Sheriff endorses him, it’s hard to write him off.
Who do you think will enter the 2016 season as the No. 3 receiver?
30 QUESTIONS: Who will be the No.3 wide receiver to start the season?
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