Do the Denver Broncos have the best wide receiving unit in the NFL?
By Drew Brown
Last season, the Denver Broncos receiving corps was pretty good. It was mainly held down by Demaryius Thomas and Eric Decker, but with the addition of Wes Welker heading into the 2013 season, I can strongly say the Broncos now have the best one in the NFL.
Jan 12, 2013; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas (88) scores a touchdown against the Baltimore Ravens during the AFC divisional round playoff game at Sports Authority Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
In 2012, the Green Bay Packers and Atlanta Falcons wide receiving units really stood out to me. Aaron Rodgers plays a big role in that, as he can make almost any receiver look like a superstar, as you see what Randall Cobb did. The Falcons Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Tony Gonzalez all posted great seasons, but I think the Broncos have jumped in front of the two teams after the Welker pickup.
Thomas and Decker are both third year players. Thomas, in my opinion, is an all around better receiver than Decker, but they’re both good receivers when it gets down to it. Thomas’ 1,434 yards were fourth in the league, and anyone who watches Bronco games can tell that Thomas is an absolute freak receiver who could be one of the best in the league. Decker also caught for over 1,000 yards, and plays on the other side of the ball from Thomas. He’s more or less used as a possession receiver down low, as Thomas tends to stretch the field.
When you throw Welker into the mix for 2013, he’s going to open a lot up down the field. If he’s occupied down low and underneath in the slot position, that’s going to help Thomas out down the field and will get him some 1-on-1 looks. With Decker in between the two of them, it’s going to cause a big headache to most defenses in the league.
Dec 23, 2012; Jacksonville, FL, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker (83) returns a punt past Jacksonville Jaguars defensive back Antwon Blake (38) during the second half of the game at EverBank Field. Mandatory Credit: Melina Vastola-USA TODAY Sports
On top of Welker, Thomas, and Decker, the Broncos have a couple other guys who help solidify their title as the best wide receiving corps in the NFL. Brandon Stokley was decent for the Broncos last season, but might not be back in 2013. Denver has two good tight ends, in Jacob Tamme and Joel Dreessen, who were both good in the passing game for Manning in 2012. Neither of them are by any means elite tight ends, but they are both able contribute in the passing and blocking game.
The Broncos have had a good offseason so far. Welker is the biggest name they have brought in, and he might be the biggest acquisition in the whole NFL so far. Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Stewart Bradley, Terrence Knighton, and Louis Vasquez are some of the other names that they have brought over. A running back is really the only need for the 2013 season, and if the Broncos are able to pick up a guy like Ahmad Bradshaw, I think you can officially call them the Superbowl favorite for 2013.