Plenty of Day 2/3 players end up making an impact, and Justin Joly could be that guy for the Denver Broncos.
Most of the focus in the NFL draft is on the first round, but the Denver Broncos sat that one out after acquiring receiver Jaylen Waddle from the Miami Dolphins for their top pick. But the draft is also full of Day 2 and Day 3 picks who make a significant contribution, and one of the Broncos’ offensive selections was identified by Field Yates of ESPN in his rundown of players who will make an instant impact.
Tight end Justin Joly has been getting a lot of attention as a possible impact player, and it’s justified. The Broncos have an immediate need for a receiving tight end given the disappointing season Evan Engram had last year, and Denver would love to have an excuse to cut Engram on June 1 and save some money if Joly can step up and show out in training camp.
He’s already starting to do that. Luca Evans of the Denver Post noted that Joly looks and plays a lot like Engram when it comes to his measurable and athleticism, so this is something to watch going forward. Joly also has great hands, which is important given that Denver’s receivers struggled with drops down the stretch last season.
Yates also noted Joly’s ability to get yards after the catch, which hasn’t been a strength for Engram for some time. Joly averaged 6.0 yards after the catch in his first three college seasons, according to Yates, and that could be a difference-maker for him as well.
Don’t discount the versatility factor here, either. Coach Sean Payton has long coveted a tight end who can function in what he calls the “joker” role in his offense, but he hasn’t been able to find that player in Denver so far. If Joly can effectively create mismatches in the passing game, he could get on the field right away to help complement Waddle and the Broncos’ other receivers.
But Joly will also have to block to earn a role. That’s another Broncos box he’ll need to check, especially with Denver emphasizing its revamped running game more this year.
“If you want to put me in the backfield, if you want to put me anywhere on the field, I’ll do it,” said Joly about his ability to operate out of multiple spots in the formation. “Even if they want me to play defense. Just let me know, and I got you guys.”