Stokley: Last year’s behind Isaiah McKenzie, let’s ‘hold off judgment’

As far as rookie seasons go, Denver Broncos returner/wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie had one most would like to forget.

In 11 games, McKenzie — a speedy prospect out of Georgia — returned 21 punts for an average of 8.7 yards per return. He also had three returned kicks, with an average of 16.7 yards.

But, the figure that most point to, and cringe at, is McKenzie’s six fumbles.

“Last year was a roller coaster. It was very unacceptable by me,” McKenzie said after workouts Monday at UCHealth Training Center.

However, McKenzie has turned the page on 2017, coming back this offseason with a “clear mindset” and telling “Stokley and Zach” on Monday he’s “got to put it behind me because it’s a new season.”

“It’s a new start. I’ve got to come out here and do my job the best I can and not listen to everything outside. Just do my job for these coaches and for this team,” McKenzie said.

It’s the right approach for McKenzie, co-host Brandon Stokley said, and a “few bad games shouldn’t destroy him.”

“I know a lot of people are down on him, but hold off judgment on Isaiah McKenzie,” Stokley said. “Let’s watch him this year.”

Stokley said he like’s McKenzie’s approach, specifically tuning out the “outside noise,” and he likes what he’s seen from him so far through OTAs.

“He looks good in the return game when they are doing special teams. And he’s getting a lot of opportunities on offense in the slot,” Stokley said. “Vance (Joseph) said it today. He was the No. 1 slot guy today.

“I’m telling you, everything that I’ve seen from this guy tells me that last year’s behind him, and you’re going to see a totally different guy this year.”

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.