Broncos Training Camp powered by Ford is mere weeks away, and that means it's time to take a position-by-position look at the Broncos' roster.
The categories are refreshed and a little different this season, but we're still going to take a close look at each position group that's set to take the field in late July.
We begin with the tight ends, highlighted by the offseason addition of Evan Engram.
TOP STORYLINE
What does Evan Engram bring to the Broncos?
The Broncos entered the offseason determined to find the "Joker" player that could create mismatch opportunities for Denver's offense.
In Evan Engram, it seems they've found that player.
The former first-round pick is just a season removed from a Pro Bowl selection as he caught 114 passes for 963 yards and four touchdowns in 2023. In 2020, Engram also made the NFL's all-star game on the back of a 63-catch, 654-yard campaign.
"The vision was pretty clear," Head Coach Sean Payton said in March after signing Engram. "Obviously, he's someone that we feel like can run and give us a passing threat on third down and [in the] red zone. I think he has good body control, and I think he is really good when he gets the ball into his hands. His run-after-the-catch numbers, statistical-wise, have been good."
Payton said during the offseason program that Engram showed a "real good savvy for the game" each day, and he credited Engram's football instincts.
In training camp, Engram will again get to show those instincts — and how they can enhance Denver's offense. If Engram can help elevate the production from the tight end position, it could prove quite important to a second-year quarterback in Bo Nix.
"It's helpful for the entire offense," General Manager George Paton said in March. "It just opens up the middle of the field a little more. That's something that we lacked — the explosive element that we've lacked in the middle of the field. As we've talked about, he's a mismatch-type player, so that only helps the quarterback."
Denver last had a tight end average 50 yards per game in 2013, and the Broncos' last 500-yard receiver at the position came back in 2021. If Engram can serve as even a moderate contributor, it should help Denver's offense. But if he can reach the potential he's showed during his career, it could unlock a dynamic new level to the Broncos' passing attack.
"I don't look at pressure like that in a negative, heavy way," Engram said in early June. "I think it's all healthy pressure. The way I work, the way I prepare — and honestly the way these guys work and the way these guys prepare — it lines up perfectly. God willing, [if] I come in and do what I'm supposed to do, it could be a great year for our offense."
PLAYER TO WATCH
Caleb Lohner
The Broncos were linked to several of the top tight end prospects ahead of the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft, but they made an addition to the room late in the draft via a developmental player. Denver's selection of Caleb Lohner – a 6-foot-7, 250-pound player — brings a former collegiate basketball player with plenty of potential to the Mile High City. While Lohner played just 57 snaps in his lone football season at Utah, the Broncos saw upside in a player who caught four passes for four touchdowns.
"We're late in this draft and you're rooting for some guys, and you see upside," Payton said after the draft. "… You can see the basketball skill set — that's easy — at a high level. You're looking at a small amount of playing time, and yet enough to where you're watching him. I think the other thing that helped was watching him at the Big 12 Pro Day. There's just a few plays that you see movement skills — and man, there's a lot to work with."
Following the draft, Payton said Lohner had "developmental upside" and pointed to former Saints All-Pro Jimmy Graham as another former basketball player who found success in the NFL.
"If it turns out like the last one did, then we'd be real excited," Payton said.
STAT TO KNOW
29
Engram posted a spectacular 114 receptions in 2023, but even his 17-game average of 78 catches would represent an impressive season in Denver. No Broncos tight end has recorded that many catches in a season in 29 years, when Shannon Sharpe surpassed the mark in 1996. Engram's average season output of 775 yards would be the most since Julius Thomas in 2013.
Those 114 catches, it's worth noting, are the second most by a tight end in NFL history.
… AND ONE MORE THING
The Broncos' addition of Engram should be significant, but it's worth watching how the rest of the room shapes up. Veteran Adam Trautman appeared in all 17 games and started 14 contests a year ago, as he led the tight end group in receiving yards with 188 yards. Lucas Krull, meanwhile, saw the most extensive action of his young career as he caught 19 passes for 152 yards. And Nate Adkins, who contributes in a number of areas, led all Broncos tight ends with three receiving touchdowns. Denver also recently added Caden Prieskorn to its roster.
As Denver heads into training camp, it bears watching how the group develops and who earns a role in the rotation. An ability to provide assistance in the run game and on special teams could be critical.
