The Denver Broncos had quite possibly the worst tight end room in the NFL in 2024. The free-agent signing of Evan Engram this offseason is expected to improve that in a huge way.
However, beyond Engram, it’s largely the same group of players. The Broncos did select Caleb Lohner in the seventh round of the draft, and that pick has drawn a lot of attention as Lohner was predominantly a basketball player in college.
One player on the roster, who will be entering his third season with the team, should be beyond expendable at this point, and that is veteran tight end Adam Trautman. He has just 35 receptions in his first two seasons with the team, but remains a player who head coach Sean Payton appreciates.
Engram is going to be the No. 1 tight end for the Broncos, but the team has some players who could provide enough depth behind him while still working to develop into their full potential.
Lucas Krull is at the top of that list. Krull is a player who Payton really liked when he joined the roster, but he has been slow to develop. Many Broncos fans will have him on the outside looking in when they predict the 53-man roster this summer, but the team should think long and hard before letting him go.
Nate Adkins can also play the fullback role and should be considered for that ahead of Michael Burton, as he is a better player in the passing game.
Lohner has some raw skills as a former basketball player, but because of what Payton did with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans, it opens up some exciting ideas. He will likely be a practice squad player to begin his career, but he will be one of the more intriguing names to follow this preseason.
Finally, undrafted free agent Caden Prieskorn offers some upside as a prospect for the future. He caught 112 passes and scored 14 touchdowns during his college career.
Trautman is a veteran who brings experience to the roster, but he’s not a necessary piece for this team. It would be nice to see players such as Krull, Adkins and/or Lohner step up this summer and claim his roster spot.
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