The Denver Broncos chose Justin Joly as their potential new tight end, but other moves were reportedly considered.
The Denver Broncos had a strong interest in finding a tight end and adding an inside linebacker in the draft, and they explored a number of avenues to get there, according to a report by Sam Robinson of ProFootballRumors.com.
Denver waited until Day 3 of the draft to address those needs, but Robinson referenced reporting by Jeremy Fowler of ESPN with some of the information he presented and the conclusions he drew.
Tight end was under consideration “somewhat early” Fowler noted, which make sense given the pre-draft work the Broncos did at the position. The Broncos had the No. 62 overall pick, but they ended up trading back to get to No. 66.
Denver used two of the team’s 30 visits on Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers and Max Klare of Ohio State, both of whom went off the board in the second round. But the Broncos also knew the Los Angeles Rams had interest in Klare that was likely higher than theirs, hence the trade back to get more picks.
It sounds like the Broncos could have made a move for Stowers if they’d been willing to give up draft capital rather than get more. According to Robinson, though, the Broncos relied on their pre-draft meeting with North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly, who caught seven touchdown passes last year and improved his production from a yardage standpoint compared to his earlier time at NC State and UConn before that.
The Broncos preferred Joly’s 2024 tape, Fowler noted, and his playing weight was a factor in how this process unfolded. Joly was listed at 263 pounds on the Wolfpack’s 2025 roster, but he weighted in at 241 at the combine, which is probably light for any tight end who will have any kind of a blocking role.
Given that the Broncos did trade up to No. 152 to get him, it will be interesting to see Denver wants Joly to bulk up a little and add some muscle. The Broncos have retained last year’s receiving tight end, Even Engram, so far, but Engram would be an easy cut if Denver wants to make that move after June 1.
The linebacker part of Denver’s interest was considered less serious. Several linebackers went off the board shortly before No. 162, including C.J. Allen, in whom the Broncos supposedly had interest. Instead they traded down and prioritized interior lineman, with Tyler Onyedim of Texas A&M becoming their first draftee.