IU’s Cody Latimer Drafted by the Denver Broncos

Nov 23, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Indiana Hoosiers wide receiver Cody Latimer (3) runs with the ball after a catch in the first quarter against the Ohio State Buckeyes at Ohio Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowksi-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos have selected Indiana wide receiver Cody Latimer with the 56th pick in the NFL Draft.

Latimer had 72 receptions for 1,096 yards and nine touchdowns in 2013. He was clearly the only pro prospect on the entire Hoosiers roster last season.

Latimer spent the last couple months shooting up the draft boards. He was originally listed as a fifth round pick, likely because of his alma mater. Its clear that analysts didn’t look at Latimer’s game film until recently and they finally saw how impressive he could really be.

Latimer has solid speed and had the most reps on bench press of all wide receivers at the NFL Scouting Combine. He is a very talented run blocker and ever more dangerous with the ball in his hands.

He needs to tighten up his route running a bit and isn’t very experienced with anything other than pass catching (i.e. punt returns). He has great hands and does a great job catching the ball away from his body and pulling the pass in.

Peyton Manning will love Latimer as he has a very similar is skill set to former teammate Reggie Wayne. Latimer is slightly larger than Wayne and has been compared to Hakeem Nicks when he was coming out of North Carolina. Latimer will likely be more of a possession receiver in the pros as his skills don’t translate to big plays in the NFL like they did in college.

Latimer is a great fit for Manning’s offense and will be another dangerous weapon for an even more deadly quarterback.

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