For Broncos tight end Evan Engram, the 2026 season offers a second chance at a first impression.<\/p>\n
That\u2019s what the installation of a new primary play-caller \u2014 and the addition of a speed threat like Jayden Waddle \u2014 can do.<\/p>\n
The former, in the form of Davis Webb, provides a voice who has known him since he broke into the NFL as a rookie with the New York Giants in 2017; both were a part of the team\u2019s draft class that year. The latter could draw coverage from safeties and open up space for Engram to operate underneath, providing the chance to make his short and intermediate routes more effective.<\/p>\n
And in Broncos OTAs and minicamp, Engram found himself a frequent target during the sessions observed by media.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s doing well. He\u2019s moving well. He\u2019s extending plays,\u201d Broncos coach Sean Payton said at the time. \u201cAgain, it\u2019s a little easier for those guys that are further away from the ball in these types of OTAs than the linemen.<\/p>\n
\u201cYet it\u2019s important timing and it\u2019s important for him in his second year. He\u2019s doing a good job with it.\u201d<\/p>\n
It probably didn\u2019t hurt that Jarrett Stidham was the No. 1 quarterback during team periods last month; Stidham and Engram displayed outstanding chemistry last summer during training camp and the preseason games, and seemed to pick up where they left off in that regard. But it wasn\u2019t just that Engram was getting the ball, but where \u2014 as much downfield as short.<\/p>\n
Given that Engram had a career-low figure for average depth of target last season \u2014 just 4.4 yards<\/a> \u2014 that was significant. While one doesn\u2019t expect him to be a seam ripper down the field in his 10th year as he was as a rookie, getting him the ball downfield in ways that Webb witnessed as the Giants\u2019 backup quarterback nearly a decade ago could open up horizons for Engram.<\/p>\n BRONCOS TIGHT-END PASSING-GAME PRODUCTION LAST YEAR DIDN\u2019T INCREASE AS HOPED<\/p>\n Denver\u2019s tight-end room still ranked in the NFL\u2019s bottom tier<\/a> in pass-catching production last season despite Engram\u2019s arrival.<\/p>\n