Editor’s note: Fourth of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Today: tight end.
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed veteran Chris Manhertz to a two-year, $6 million deal.
Under contract: Greg Dulcich (three years), Manhertz (two years), Albert Okwuegbunam (one year).
Need scale (1-10): 7. Dulcich made an impression last season, but two different hamstring injuries cost him the first five games of the season and the last two. He needs to prove he can stay healthy and improve his run blocking, but he’s the clear No. 1 going into 2023, while Manhertz provides a physical presence as an in-line blocker. But the Broncos need a second playmaker at the position in the passing game, unless new coach Sean Payton sees something in Okwuegbunam (on final year of rookie deal) that the previous coaching staff didn’t see. In a draft rich in tight end talent, using one of their five picks on a tight end makes sense.
Top Five
1. Michael Mayer, Notre Dame: Racked up 1,649 yards and 16 TDs between 2021 and ’22 as he finished as the school’s all-time positional leader in career yards, catches and TDs.
2. Dalton Kincaid, Utah: Undersized as a blocker, Kincaid is a prolific pass-catcher. He started his career with two seasons at San Diego before transferring to Utah, where he amassed 2,484 receiving yards and 35 TDs.
3. Darnell Washington, Georgia: Perhaps the best blocking tight end in the class, Washington turned in an impressive performance at the combine, including a 4.65-second 40-yard dash. He had 28 catches for 454 yards in ’22.
4. Luke Musgrave, Oregon State: Despite playing only two games in 2022 before a knee injury wiped out the rest of his season, the well-rounded Musgrave’s stock is high thanks to strong performances at the Senior Bowl and Combine.
5. Sam LaPorta, Iowa: The Hawkeyes have churned out several NFL tight ends in recent years, including George Kittle and Noah Fant. LaPorta put up 1,327 yards and nine touchdowns over the past two seasons and is a projectable receiving TE.
Broncos’ Options
The Broncos only have five draft picks and don’t get to their first two until the top of the third round. A look at five possibilities for who Denver might pick on Day 2 or Day 3.
1. Musgrave: Denver might have to trade up to get Musgrave, who doesn’t have a lot on paper (his best season at OSU was 22 catches for 304 yards and one touchdown as a junior) but, at 6-foot-6, he has the frame and athleticism to thrive in the NFL.
2. LaPorta: Like Musgrave, LaPorta could be a stretch to fall to the Broncos at No. 67, but he’ll warrant a long look from a coaching staff seeking a dynamic pass-catcher to pair with Dulcich. LaPorta’s 4.59-second 40-time was third among all tight ends.
3. Luke Schoonmaker, Michigan: A five-year letterman for the Wolverines, Schoonmaker is speedy (4.63 in the 40), athletic and big. He had 35 catches for 418 yards in 2022.
4. Tucker Kraft, South Dakota State: He might be the rawest of all of the top tight ends in this class, but the 6-5 Kraft definitely has the size and tools. His breakout came in 2021 when he had 65 catches for 773 yards to net him FCS All-American honors.
5. Will Mallory, Miami: There are questions about Mallory’s blocking, but he produced in the passing game for the ‘Canes and ran the fastest 40 of any tight end at the Combine (4.54). He could be worth a late-round flier.
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