Tim Patrick can’t find exact words to describe the route running of teammate DaeSean Hamilton, the Broncos’ fourth-round rookie wide receiver, but Patrick offers this insight: “Some of the stuff he does, it’s not even like football moves.”
A combination of footwork, body control and “trusting yourself to get out of it fast with the timing of the quarterback,” Patrick said. “It’s kind of cool watching him, because honestly, I’ve been taking some of the stuff he’s been doing sometimes.”
Flashes of brilliance so-far reserved for mostly practice. Hamilton had 101 offensive snaps through seven games to begin the season, then took an awkward hit to the right knee fielding a punt fair-catch at Arizona. Hamilton missed games against Kansas City and Houston but returned to practice this week and got cleared to play Sunday at the Chargers.
Hamilton also watched his role grow through subtraction over his absence. Denver’s decision to trade veteran wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was based partially on the desire to get more playing time for rookie Courtland Sutton, but also in the budding potential of Hamilton. Thomas fumed earlier this month to 760 AM, the Broncos’ radio affiliate, over the coaching staff limiting his role at the Jets for more Hamilton targets. The rookie finished with a season-high three receptions for 44 yards.
Now, Hamilton gets his shot to prove he deserves more targets.
“(Hamilton) will have an expanded role,” coach Vance Joseph said, “and I’m excited to watch him play.”
Hamilton, with the help of a Week 10 bye to complete rehab, is rested and ready for Sunday’s game.
“I feel great going out feeling smooth running routes and getting back into the groove,” Hamilton said. “It’s very exciting. I’ve been looking forward to something like this.”
In addition to bolstering Denver’s receiving corps, Hamilton also gives the Broncos flexibility in the return game.
Joseph confirmed cornerback Adam Jones will maintain his role bringing back punts in Los Angeles, but Joseph voiced frustrations over the team’s lack of production there (Denver ranks No. 19 league-wide with 5.1 yards per punt return). Improved blocking is the first step — “We’re getting our hands on people,” special teams coordinator Tom McMahon said, “but we’re not sustaining it long enough” — although it’s possible Hamilton’s special shiftiness might make a difference.
“If you can create separation, you can stay in this league a long time,” Patrick said. “That’s what he can do.”
No matter his role, Hamilton is thankful for the chance. While fellow rookies such as Bradley Chubb, Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay have earned significant on-field success, Hamilton has waited and worked for his turn to shine. It’s finally arrived.
“I was being patient,” Hamilton said. “The fact that I love football so much and that I’m here for a reason maintained confidence in myself. The stuff that I was doing, regardless if it was on Sundays, I was going against NFL players in practices and preseason games. I just kept (my mindset) as I know I have the talent to play at this level. I might not have had the chance to showcase it yet, but when my opportunity comes, I plan on making the most of it.”
