The Denver Broncos went 14-3 last year and reached the AFC Championship game. Bo Nix continues to develop at quarterback. Jaylen Waddle adds explosive speed on the outside. Yet one position still creates quiet doubt in Denver…
The Broncos’ tight end room must step up this year.
Broncos Tight Ends Have Veterans, Depth, and Youth
Engram remains the featured tight end. He arrived in Denver with high expectations. However, his 2025 production disappointed many fans and analysts, finishing with 50 catches for 461 yards.
Adam Trautman provides steady blocking in the run game. The Broncos rewarded him with a three-year contract extension this offseason. Nate Adkins contributes as a reliable depth piece. He also helps on special teams units.
Jonnu Smith is still available as a free agent. The former Pro Bowler racked up 88 receptions for 884 yards and 8 touchdowns in 2024. Smith offers proven production after the catch, and his skill set fits well with Payton’s offense; a short, low-cost deal could add veteran depth. A short, low-cost deal could add veteran depth. It would also give the rookies time to develop.
Engram’s Potential Bounce-Back Year
Engram played in that game even though most starters rested. He made a big 58-yard catch-and-run on just the second offensive play.
“Once I found that out, I said I could play in the game,” Engram explained about supporting his friend Webb. “Our brotherhood is really special to me. He’s just a natural savant with football.”
That moment highlighted what Engram can do in space. Webb’s scheme should create more designed touches for him this year.
Health will be the biggest key for Engram, who played just nine games in 2024.
If he stays on the field, his chemistry with Nix and Waddle could shine — and after years of the tight end spot being a point of frustration for Payton, a more involved Engram could finally change that story.
Davis Webb’s Influence Is a Scheme That Fits
Webb’s promotion marks a clear shift in Denver’s offensive approach. He now calls plays full time after serving as quarterbacks coach. Webb likes fast decisions and smart matchups. He brings energy and a player-friendly style to meetings. The 2025 preseason game against Arizona gave an early look at his ideas. The Broncos rolled up 562 total offensive yards and averaged 7.8 yards per play.
“He did a really good job,” Payton said of Webb’s debut. “Fast, efficient and had a lot of energy. Players responded.”
Webb’s offense leans on more motion and play-action concepts, which create natural opportunities for tight ends — rub routes and crossing patterns should open space underneath, where Engram can win in the middle of the field, while Joly adds vertical speed to stretch safeties and Trautman and Bentley provide the blocking foundation. That balance makes the position group more dangerous overall, and it should benefit Nix with easier reads and check-down security.
The Verdict Is That There Is Upside
A stronger tight end room would lift Nix in clear ways. Reliable short-area options give him quick answers against pressure, which helps him trust play-action fakes. It also supports his growth as a leader.
Jaylen Waddle also gains from the attention tight ends draw. With a strong tight end presence, defenses must account for 21 personnel sets. That opens deep shots and crossing lanes for the speedy receiver. The entire offense becomes harder to defend.
If the Broncos can give Nix better tight end play, that would allow him to go through his progressions quicker and force him into fewer tight-window throws. Waddle would also stays more fresh because coverage rotates toward the middle, and the offense gains multiple layers as a result — play-action becomes more deadly, and overall balance improves on every snap.
The Broncos’ tight end room does not boast big-name stars right now. Yet it holds plenty of potential for growth this season. Engram’s comfort with Webb, the athleticism of the rookies, and smart scheme tweaks all point in a positive direction. Training camp practices will sort out the final roles. Competition should bring out the best in everyone involved. If the group clicks early, it could quietly become one of the Broncos’ biggest improvements.
Many fans still worry about the position after past seasons, which is understandable. However, the pieces are in place for a better year. A healthy Engram, contributions from Joly and Bentley, and Webb’s creative play-calling could turn doubt into confidence — this room has sleeper strength written all over it. This room has sleeper strength written all over it. Denver’s Super Bowl hopes may ride partly on how well these tight ends perform.
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