Hoosiers at the Next Level: Cody Latimer, WR, Denver Broncos

Cody Latimer was a Super Bowl winner in 2016. Image: Getty Images

Written By Evan McShane (@veryreasonable)

Cody Latimer | Denver Broncos | WR

Former Hoosier wide receiver Cody Latimer, now in his fourth year with the Denver Broncos, had the best year of his NFL career. As an IU standout, Latimer hauled in 135 receptions for over 2,000 total yards during his three-year collegiate career. He snagged 17 receiving touchdowns and averaged an electric 15.1 yards per catch. Latimer was named to the All-Big Ten Second Team as a sophomore and as a junior. Listed at six-foot-three, 215lbs, Latimer has always been known for his elite athleticism. He caught people’s attention when he balled out during an IU football dunk contest. Latimer chose to forgo his senior season at Indiana, and declared for the NFL draft, where he was selected in the second round (56th overall).

Latimer’s role with the Denver Broncos has not been consistent the past four seasons. During his first two years in the NFL, the Broncos were in the middle of a Super Bowl quest with Peyton Manning at the helm. They were loaded with weapons on offense and Latimer saw little playing time. However, during his second season, he had three receptions in two postseason games on the road to Denver’s championship where he earned himself a Super Bowl ring.

The last two years have been muddled with inconsistent and, frankly, horrendous quarterback play in Denver. Nevertheless, the absence of Peyton Manning hasn’t slowed the development of Cody Latimer. He is steadily putting his physical tools together and proving he has value in the NFL. Latimer played in 11 of the Broncos’ 16 games, and was targeted twice as many times as last season. He recorded 19 receptions for 287 yards and two touchdowns. And guess what? This year, he matched his college numbers in the yards per catch category: 15.1. The best moment of Latimer’s 2017 campaign was a clutch 22-yard touchdown catch against the Colts just a few miles up the road from his old IU stomping grounds. Latimer produced more total receptions, receiving yards, and touchdowns this season than in his previous three combined.

A knee injury slowed Latimer down in October, but he had an impressive bounce-back. Latimer caught a pass in all eight games once he returned from injury. “He has an ability to go up and really get the ball, catch the ball well in traffic — as well as get the 50-50 ball as we’ve seen the last three or four weeks from Cody,” Broncos general manager John Elway said this week in an interview with the team’s radio partner, Orange and Blue 760. “It’s been good to see him in the right situation to be able to show what he can do.” Elway praised Latimer after the Colts game in December, which happened to be perfect timing for the young wide receiver as he becomes an unrestricted free agent this offseason.

Echoing Elway’s praise, Denver head coach Vance Joseph had similar comments regarding Latimer’s nose for jump balls and general abilities. “He’s been the one guy in that receiving corps, with the 50-50 balls, he’s come down with them,” Joseph said. “In that Philly game, he had two of those plays and he had two (against the Colts). He’s a big guy and he can really run. It’s exciting to see his skill set come forward because those things he should be able to do. He’s tall, he’s long and he’s fast.” Teammates spoke highly of Latimer as well. Star receiver Demaryius Thomas thinks Cody could be a starter anywhere in this league.

Latimer explained his mindset and role in Denver during an interview with denverbroncos.com: "It all depends on the preparation," Latimer said. "You prepare right throughout the week for when your time is called. I go into the game [thinking], 'Just play as hard as I can, as fast as I can and never give up for the team — special teams, offense, whatever.' If the ball comes my way, just make a play on it, because opportunities are limited with our two great receivers we have, along with Bennie [Fowler III], along with J.T. [Jordan Taylor], everybody that can make plays. So, when we get our opportunities, they're limited. When we get them, we've got to take advantage of them." Latimer knows not to take any opportunity for granted, and during his contract year, he flashed potential and demonstrated some consistency. 

A strained thigh kept Latimer out for the Broncos’ final two games, but he has likely shown enough to validate his role in this league. Many pro teams are seeking taller defensive backs in recent drafts. Latimer’s size and leaping ability will be an asset moving forward. Thanks to his early departure for the NFL, he is only 25 years old. Given the chance, Latimer could be a big time player. The Broncos have intentions to re-sign Latimer, but things could change if another team outbids them. Cody Latimer may be poised for a breakout season in 2018.

Quotes credited to Nick Kosmider at www.denverpost.com, and Ben Swanson at www.denverbroncos.com.

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