Wes Welker

Asked if WR Cody Latimer could play right away, Broncos beat writer Andrew Mason answered:

Latimer has been impressive to date. He uses his size well near the line of scrimmage, is as good a blocker on run plays as advertised, has the speed to get separation on go and deep post routes and catches the football with his hands. His straight-line speed could even get him a chance on kickoff returns -- which would not be unprecedented for a big, athletic Broncos receiver in his first year (see Demaryius Thomas, 2010).

But as promising as Latimer has been, the Broncos have a bumper crop at receiver. Demaryius Thomas is elite. Wes Welker's timing with Peyton Manning looks better than last year. Emmanuel Sanders shuffles the deck compared to last year with his quickness and speed off the snap. Andre Caldwell can play any receiving spot and has the experience and timing with Manning that Latimer has yet to learn. Talented as Latimer may be, if the Broncos keep their top receivers healthy, he will have to maximize limited opportunities. But it is reassuring to know that the Broncos could lose two starting receivers and still have multiple potent threats at their disposal.

We believe it will be a heavy dose of Thomas, Welker and Sanders, with Caldwell and Latimer fighting for WR4 snaps. Latimer is a player to have on speed dial if one of the Bronco wideouts go down. Sanders can play the slot, so Latimer could emerge at the expense of an aging Welker.