{"id":951838,"date":"2026-07-21T21:06:18","date_gmt":"2026-07-21T21:06:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/951838\/"},"modified":"2026-07-21T21:06:18","modified_gmt":"2026-07-21T21:06:18","slug":"is-the-broncos-tight-end-room-a-major-weakness-or-quietly-a-strength-the-lead","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nfl\/951838\/","title":{"rendered":"Is the Broncos\u2019 Tight End Room a Major Weakness or Quietly a Strength? \u2013 The Lead"},"content":{"rendered":"

The Denver Broncos went 14-3 last year and reached the AFC Championship game. Bo Nix<\/a> continues to develop at quarterback. Jaylen Waddle<\/a> adds explosive speed on the outside. Yet one position still creates quiet doubt in Denver\u2026 <\/p>\n

The Broncos\u2019 tight end room must<\/a> step up this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Evan Engram<\/a> leads the group<\/a> as the main receiving threat, while\u00a0Adam Trautman<\/a> handles much of the blocking work \u2014 and rookies Justin Joly<\/a> and Dallen Bentley<\/a> bring new energy and competition to the mix. Davis Webb now serves as offensive coordinator and primary play-caller. The Broncos have talent across the offense, but the tight ends must do their part to make it all click.<\/p>\n

Broncos Tight Ends Have Veterans, Depth, and Youth<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

Adam Trautman<\/a> provides steady blocking in the run game. The Broncos rewarded<\/a> him with a three-year contract extension this offseason. Nate Adkins<\/a> contributes as a reliable depth piece. He also helps on special teams units. <\/p>\n

The 2026 draft added important young talent. Joly was selected in the fifth round out of NC State, and he led<\/a> his college team with 49 receptions in his final season. Dallen Bentley<\/a> went in the seventh round from Utah where he recorded<\/a> 48 catches and six touchdowns in 2025. Head coach Sean Payton called Joly a move \u201cF\u201d tight end while<\/a> Bentley fits better as an in-line \u201cY\u201d option. This combination creates genuine battles throughout training camp, meaning the room now has seven players fighting for limited spots.<\/p>\n

Jonnu Smith<\/a> is still available as a free agent. The former Pro Bowler racked<\/a> 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\u2019s offense; a short, low-cost deal could add veteran depth. A short, low-cost deal could add veteran depth. It would<\/a> also give the rookies time to develop.<\/p>\n

Smith\u2019s experience would bring instant reliability to the room. He excels in yards after contact and contested catches. Pairing him with Engram creates tough 21 personnel matchup problems for defenses. A veteran like Smith might also help mentor Joly and Bentley. This addition would not cost much cap space. It could provide the final push the tight end group needs.<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

2. Justin Joly | TE | DEN<\/p>\n

Denver traded up in the 5th to get him after their TE room posted 3 TDs all year.<\/p>\n

Engram is on an expiring deal and Payton loves a move TE. Joly is the pass-game injection.
pic.twitter.com\/ZHb6j6gV7L<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Dynatyze Football (@DynatyzeFF) July 4, 2026<\/a><\/p>\n

Engram\u2019s Potential Bounce-Back Year
\nEngram has the skills to bounce back strongly in 2026, thanks in part to the long history he shares with Webb from their time together with the New York Giants \u2014 a connection that should prove valuable this season. In the Aug. 16 preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals in 2025, Webb called plays for the first time in his coaching career. The Broncos won 27-7. The offense scored<\/a> points on four of its first five drives, and Payton was impressed enough to award Webb a game ball after the victory.<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

\u201cOnce I found that out, I said I could play in the game,\u201d Engram explained<\/a> about supporting his friend Webb. \u201cOur brotherhood is really special to me. He\u2019s just a natural savant with football.\u201d <\/p>\n

That moment highlighted what Engram can do in space. Webb\u2019s scheme should create more designed touches for him this year.\u00a0<\/p>\n

Health will be the biggest<\/a> key for Engram, who played just nine games in 2024.<\/p>\n

If he stays on the field, his chemistry with Nix and Waddle could shine \u2014 and after years of the tight end spot being a point of frustration for Payton, a more involved Engram could finally change that story.<\/p>\n

Davis Webb\u2019s Influence Is a Scheme That Fits<\/p>\n

Webb\u2019s promotion marks a clear shift in Denver\u2019s 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<\/a> up 562 total offensive yards and averaged 7.8 yards per play.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe did a really good job,\u201d Payton said<\/a> of Webb\u2019s debut. \u201cFast, efficient and had a lot of energy. Players responded.\u201d<\/p>\n

Webb\u2019s offense leans on more motion and play-action concepts, which create natural opportunities for tight ends \u2014 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.<\/p>\n

The Verdict Is That There Is Upside<\/p>\n

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. <\/p>\n

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.<\/p>\n

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 \u2014 play-action becomes more deadly, and overall balance improves on every snap. <\/p>\n

The Broncos\u2019 tight end room does not boast big-name stars right now. Yet it holds plenty of potential for growth this season. Engram\u2019s 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\u2019 biggest improvements.<\/p>\n

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\u2019s creative play-calling could turn doubt into confidence \u2014 this room has sleeper strength written all over it. This room has sleeper strength written all over it. Denver\u2019s Super Bowl hopes may ride partly on how well these tight ends perform.\u00a0<\/p>\n