Isaiah McKenzie impressing at Denver Broncos camp
Denver Broncos rookie wide receiver/punt returner Isaiah McKenzie is already turning heads at training camp, and we’re just getting started…
Isaiah McKenzie and a convoy of blockers, with no defenders in sight.
That’s a sight Denver Broncos fans should apparently get used to seeing.
It’s not often you see a fifth round draft pick carry as much hype as the Broncos’ new return specialist/wide receiver out of Georgia, but Isaiah McKenzie is not a typical fifth round draft pick either.
.@SteveAtwater27's "A-List" from yesterday at #BroncosCamp: Some speed AND strengthhttps://t.co/mJtmB8AIQQ
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) July 30, 2017
Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph has praised McKenzie for his ability to handle everything that’s being thrown at him, including the moment.
That can’t be overstated for an NFL rookie.
Often, you will see rookies in the NFL struggle with overthinking things at the next level. That’s not been the case thus far for McKenzie, whose elite speed, quickness, and return skills have already translated very well to the practice field.
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The real test will be when McKenzie is able to get onto the field against a live defense or punt return situation where he can show how quickly he’s able to make decisions and cuts when in an actual game.
Eye witnesses at Broncos camp have been blown away by McKenzie’s speed and quickness, which is no surprise. Though small in stature, McKenzie lacks nothing when it comes to his ability to make people miss and leave them in the dust.
This is an element that has been sorely lacking from the Broncos’ special teams unit. Not only were they one of the worst teams in the league as far as just catching punts last year, they struggled to utilize the third phase of the game to their advantage by consistently making poor decisions in the return game.
McKenzie will be the one counted on to relieve that issue in Denver, and so far, he is looking like the exact man for the job.