After three years of minimal impact, fourth-year receiver Cody Latimer finally showed off his big play potential in 2017 with the Denver Broncos.

When the Denver Broncos selected Cody Latimer in the second round of the 2014 NFL Draft, fans were excited about adding a receiver of Latimer’s size and ability to the roster. In fact, some draft analysts thought Latimer could have been a first round selection based on his impressive physical attributes and production. But that didn’t happen. Latimer waited patiently at Radio City Music Hall in New York City to hear is name called, but nine receivers went in front of him in that draft. Finally with the fifty sixth pick, he finally found a home with the Broncos.

The expectations were high for the former Hoosier product, but his first three seasons with the team, Latimer didn’t make much of an impact on the offensive side of the ball. This led to many fans labeling him as a bust, especially when they compared his production to many of the receivers taken ahead of or after him in that draft. Hindsight is 20/20, and while it appears the Broncos would have been better off drafting someone else, Latimer finally showed glimpses of his potential during the 2017 season.

Known for his top-notch special teams play, Latimer finally got his chance to shine as a receiver for the Broncos late in the year. He turned in his best season yet in 2017 and put up more production in last year’s campaign than all his previous seasons combined. For the season, Latimer hauled in 19 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns and finally showed some of the great play-making ability John Elway and his staff praised him for when they drafted him.

The question moving forward is whether or not the Broncos should re-sign this offseason or perhaps look elsewhere in free agency or the draft to acquire another receiver to help boost their offensive power in 2018.

Cody Latimer’s 2017 PFF Grade

According to Pro Football Focus, Latimer received a 76.1 grade this past season, which ranks in the “average” category. His overall grade places him as the forty-third ranked receiver overall last season. Not too shabby.

Cody Latimer’s Contract Outlook

Last season was the final year of Latimer’s four-year rookie contract. He is currently scheduled to hit free agency, but there have been whispers that the Broncos would like to retain his services. If that’s the route the franchise would like to go, they should be able to keep him around on a relatively cheap contract.

Cody Latimer’s 2018 Status

It’s uncertain whether or not the Broncos will retain Latimer long-term, but it appears that Broncos Country is very interested in the franchise retaining his services. If the franchise does move on from either Demaryius Thomas or Emmanuel Sanders, it would be wise for them to keep a player like Latimer around because of the lack of depth and uncertainty at the position. However, it’s entirely possible that Latimer may be interested in a fresh start somewhere else on a team who would priortize having him involved more offensively.