Mile High Report
Evan Engram gives the Broncos their ‘Joker’ tight end while Caleb Lohner could become the next Jimmy Graham.
The Broncos' tight end room lacked a true receiving threat last season after former third-round pick Greg Dulcich was released and Lucas Krull failed to impress. That left Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins to be the Broncos' top receiving threats at tight end. Both of which had their moments, but both are known for their blocking skills, not their receiving skills. So, finding Sean Payton his ‘Joker’ at the tight end position was a priority for the Broncos this offseason.
Thankfully, the Jaguars released veteran tight end Evan Engram, who quickly visited the Broncos and ended up signing with the team after a quick cup of coffee with the Chargers. He instantly slots in as Sean Payton’s ‘Joker’ and becomes one of the top pass-catching options in his offense. The Broncos did not stop there because with their final pick in the draft, they selected a bit of a lottery ticket. They selected former Utah tight end Caleb Lohner, who is a former basketball player transitioning to tight end. The last time Sean Payton drafted a former basketball player transitioning to tight end, he drafted Jimmy Graham. They ended up working out pretty well for him, and he has not shied away from making the comparison.
Outside of those two additions, you have veteran Adam Trautman returning, along with blocking specialist Nate Adkins. They give the Broncos traditional inline blockers who will help out in the running game while also contributing in the passing game occasionally as well.
With all that said, let’s take a look at the Broncos’ tight end and their roles, expectations, and chances of making the team as we approach the start of training camp.
Evan Engram - Starter
The Broncos' big offensive addition during free agency was signing Evan Engram. The productive pass-catching tight end will slot in as Sean Payton’s ‘Joker’ and give quarterback Bo Nix another talented pass-catching threat in the middle of the field.
He is likely going to line up in the slot or outside in Payton’s offense and could be the top-targeted player in the Broncos' passing attack. Sean Payton loves to utilize the quick-passing game, and Bo Nix specializes in getting the ball out quickly. Engram will likely benefit from this and be a high-volume pass catcher for the Broncos like he was with the Jaguars.
He is coming off a shoulder injury and will turn 31 years old in September, so you have to keep that in mind, but he is an upgrade over what they had, regardless.
Adam Trautman - Starter
I am listing Trautman as a starter because he will likely be used like one this upcoming season. Engram is going to play mostly receiver, which will leave Trautman to be your traditional in-line tight end. This is the role he has held the past two seasons, and the former Sean Payton draft pick with...
