Daniel Shirey-USA TODAY Sports
The University of Georgia Bulldogs have been good to the Denver Broncos over the history of the franchise. From Terrell Davis to Champ Bailey, former Bulldog players tend to do well in the orange and navy blue jersey. Sure, there have been some duds over the years with the most recent being Knowshon Moreno and Champ’s younger brother, Boss Bailey, but if history is any indication, when the Broncos draft or pick up a Bulldog, they tend to leave their mark on the franchise.
In this year’s NFL Draft the Broncos picked up an absolute steal when they drafted wide receiver Tavarres King in the fifth round out of none other than Georgia. Listed at 6-1, 200 pounds, King is a big dude who posted big numbers while at Georgia. Averaging 19.1 yards per reception during his five years at Georgia and having over 130 catches for a career total of 2,602 yards and 21 touchdowns, King is now bringing his pass catching ability into an offense that has a Future Hall of Fame quarterback in Peyton Manning to throw him passes and two Pro Bowl wide receivers in Demaryius Thomas, again from Georgia just across the state, and Wes Welker.
While Eric Decker is on the roster and listed as the number two wide receiver on the team, I would look out for King to start turning heads in training camp and the preseason and possibly push Decker out of the second spot on the team. Of course this is all speculation, but again, in general, any player from the state of Georgia has a good chance of making the roster and then becoming a force to be reckoned with. I have held the belief that Decker would be best suited in the slot, but now with the Broncos picking up Welker and King on the team, Decker has to be feeling the pressure as he could be a big trading chip should King play his way into the opposite side of Thomas.
Most Bronco fans, including myself, like Decker and he has had some flashes of being a solid number two, but his inconsistency catching the football and inability to separate himself from defensive backs has hindered him from solidifying his hold on that second receiver spot which caused the Broncos to go out in the offseason and pickup Welker and use a draft pick to get King. So if you’re looking for a position battle to keep your eye on come training camp and preseason, the number two receiver spot on the Broncos roster could be and should be an intriguing battle.
Brandyn Nuffer is a Denver Broncos Writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter or Like him on Facebook
