{"id":852295,"date":"2026-04-04T00:21:28","date_gmt":"2026-04-04T00:21:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852295\/"},"modified":"2026-04-04T00:21:28","modified_gmt":"2026-04-04T00:21:28","slug":"the-denver-broncos-need-a-tight-end-in-the-2026-nfl-draft-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/852295\/","title":{"rendered":"The Denver Broncos Need a Tight End in the 2026 NFL Draft \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Denver Broncos are in a great spot this offseason. After a narrow loss in the AFC Championship<\/a>, they already demonstrated that they have a top-tier roster. As such, they\u2019ve worked hard to cement it. So far, Denver has re-signed<\/a> several key pieces like running back J.K. Dobbins<\/a> and linebackers Alex Singleton<\/a> and Justin Strnad<\/a>. Following a tremendous 2025 season, the Broncos are eager to retain their core.<\/p>\n

However, the organization was getting a lot of flak for not signing any players from other teams. Denver silenced these critics by trading<\/a> a first-, third-, and fourth-round pick for big-play receiver Jaylen Waddle<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Between re-signing Dobbins, trading for Waddle, and hanging onto everyone else, the offense looks more dangerous than ever before in the Sean Payton<\/a> era. But there\u2019s still one position that Denver should address.<\/p>\n

Broncos\u2019 Tight End Tension<\/p>\n

Last offseason, the Broncos made a big splash by bringing in two-time Pro-Bowler Evan Engram<\/a>. With the offense struggling at the time, Coach Payton felt that he was the perfect piece to help jump-start it. Unfortunately, Engram has not quite lived up to the hype, putting up underwhelming numbers in his first year in Denver. With under 500 yards<\/a> on the season and only one game over 45 yards, Broncos fans were disappointed.<\/p>\n

Fair to say that it was a disappointing season for TE Evan Engram in his first year as a Bronco:<\/p>\n

53 Receptions (17th)
487 Yards (26th)
1 TD
9.2 Yards per Reception (t-35th)
4 Drops (t-3rd)<\/p>\n

Stats are from PFF & rankings are amongst TEs in the league#BroncosCountry<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/oDoh0oCCf6<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 SleeperBroncos (@SleeperBroncos) January 27, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Regardless of Engram\u2019s numbers, he has other problems that make tight end a need. First off, he is already 31 years old. At this stage in his career, it is far more likely that his production will continue to decrease, not increase. Secondly, he only has one more year left on his deal. This will likely be his last season in Denver, so the Broncos may as well address the position sooner rather than later.<\/p>\n

Other tight ends on the roster include Adam Trautman<\/a>, Nate Adkins<\/a>, and Lucas Krull<\/a>. Both suffice as blocking tight ends and reserve pass catchers, but none of them have a chance at being Denver\u2019s tight end of the future.<\/p>\n

Despite the Waddle trade, Denver has a second-round pick and two fourth-rounders this year. Therefore, they will likely take a swing at the position in the draft. The Broncos are a young team on the rise, and they could contend for years to come. However, in order to ensure their future competitiveness, they will need a threatening pass-catcher.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Outside of Oregon\u2019s Kenyon Sadiq<\/a>, who will almost certainly be gone in the first round, Vanderbilt\u2019s Eli Stowers is widely considered the best tight end prospect in this draft. Stowers led<\/a> the nation in receiving yards amongst tight ends, and he did it while playing in a formidable SEC. He also tallied<\/a> six games of over 64 yards last year, with two games of 122+. Beyond just the stats, though, Stowers\u2019 tests about as well as possible.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n

In the draft combine, Stowers ran a 4.51 40-yard dash, second only to Sadiq. He further demonstrated his athleticism, posting<\/a> a 45.5-inch vertical leap and 11-foot-3 broad jump, the best by a tight end since 2003.<\/p>\n

The Broncos are already set on blocking tight ends. Therefore, they can afford to take a shot on a pass-catching-focused tight end. Stowers\u2019 speed and athleticism as a downfield threat, combined with Waddle and Sutton wreaking havoc on the outside, would be torturous for defenses. As the clear number two in the draft at his position, the Broncos cannot afford to wait until the fourth. If they want him, they will have to grab him in the second, assuming he is still there.<\/p>\n

Between his production and his intangibles, Stowers could be exactly what Denver needs.<\/p>\n

The Others<\/p>\n

After Sadiq and Stowers, the rest of the tight end pool<\/a> becomes uncertain. Based on various mock drafts and draft profiles, it seems as though any tight end after those two could go between the second and seventh rounds. Some interesting names include Baylor\u2019s Michael Trigg<\/a>, Georgia\u2019s Oscar Delp<\/a>, Ohio State\u2019s Max Klare<\/a>, and N.C. State\u2019s Justin Joly<\/a>. Assuming they pass on Stowers, by the time their fourth-round picks roll around, they may just have to take whoever is available.<\/p>\n

Trigg had the most production, finishing second<\/a> behind only Stowers in receiving yards amongst tight ends. Size-wise, Delp has the advantage, as his 6-foot-5, 245-pound frame allows him to be a very reliable target. Delp<\/a> also has the edge in speed, as his 4.48 40 time, combined with his build, makes him very dangerous.<\/p>\n

As for Klare and Joly, they are also both solid, consistent options with good hands. They both finished in the top ten<\/a> in yards amongst tight ends in 2024. Their stats took a dip last year as Klare joined a loaded Buckeye team from Purdue and Joly dealt with injuries and a struggling offense. However, they clearly possess the talent and upside needed to be a difference-maker in the NFL.<\/p>\n

Draft Day Drama<\/p>\n

Ultimately, the Broncos absolutely should take a tight end in the draft. Outside of David Njoku<\/a>, who is already 29 and will likely come with a hefty price tag, there aren\u2019t any tight ends worth looking into in free agency. Especially if Denver is looking for their tight end of the future.<\/p>\n

If Stowers is there in the second round, that should be a no-brainer pick for the Broncos. They already have talent across the board at every position on the depth chart. The inside linebacker position has been squared away with Singleton, Strnad, and now Jonah Elliss<\/a>, who will be moving<\/a> inside from outside linebacker. Denver can afford to swing big, and if Stowers pans out, the sky is the limit.<\/p>\n

If Stowers is gone, the Broncos will still have some strong options in the fourth. Delp has tremendous upside, with many calling him the next Brock Bowers<\/a>. Additionally, with Trigg\u2019s 7-foot+ wingspan<\/a> and elite pass-catching ability, he could prove to be a diamond in the rough as well. Klare is the safest of the bunch, as his conventional tight end skills could translate nicely. Meanwhile Joly, the converted receiver, is the most high-risk, high-reward option.<\/p>\n

The selection may just come down to who is left when Denver is on the clock. All of the options have very bright futures in the league, and they would all be considered by many as solid picks. However, change happens constantly in the NFL. One second, a team is on top, the next, they\u2019re at the bottom.<\/p>\n

The Broncos are in a great spot, but they need to strike while the iron is hot. If Denver can secure their tight end of the future in this draft, then a Lombardi trophy could be within reach.<\/p>\n