One big question for the Denver Broncos in 2026 is how well their group of tight ends will perform. Last season, the group failed to impress as a whole, and high-profile free agent acquisition Evan Engram didn’t live up to the ‘Joker’ billing touted about him all offseason long.
Even so, the Broncos brought back virtually everyone at the position group from last season for a chance to compete for a roster spot in this summer. One of those players is Nate Adkins who is entering his fourth year in the National
Football League. A former FCS standout from East Tennessee State, Adkins finished his five-year collegiate career with the South Carolina Gamecocks.
A longshot to make the Broncos’ squad in 2023 as an undrafted free agent, Adkins’ positional versatility, blocking ability, and special teams’ prowess earned him a spot on the final 53-man roster. After an impressive second season with the Broncos in 2024, his overall impact was limited in 2025 due to missing nearly half of the season after a knee injury late in Denver’s win against the Dallas Cowboys.
With some new players added to the position group can Adkins find a way to make the roster for a fourth straight season? Let’s discuss.
Player Profile
Age: 26 | Experience: Fourth Year | College: South Carolina | Height: 6’3” | Weight: 252 pounds
Arm Length: 31-3/8” | Hand Size: 9” | Vertical: 31” | Broad Jump: 10’ | Bench: 14 reps
40-Yard Dash: 4.87 seconds | 3-Cone: 7.33 seconds | 20-Yard Shuttle: 4.40 seconds
2025 Statistics: 9 games played, 6 starts. 6 catches on 11 targets for 48 yards and 1 touchdown. 199 offensive snaps, 46 special teams’ snaps.
Nate Adkins’ 2026 outlook with the Broncos
In 2024, Adkins played in all 17 regular season games and had 14 receptions for 115 yards and three touchdowns. Last year, he notched just 6 receptions for 48 yards and only one touchdown. He saw 33-percent of Denver’s offensive snaps in the 9 games he played last season but had a career low 46 snaps (18-percent) on special teams.
The Broncos extended Adam Trautman and have Evan Engram slated to be their move tight end. This past April, they added Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley to the tight end room on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Additionally, Lucas Krull and Caleb Lohner will also be challenging for a roster spot.
In my opinion, Adkins isn’t a lock for the final 53-man roster. Given Joly’s status as a fourth-round draft pick, I’d say he is a far safer bet to make the roster as a third tight end for the Broncos. Even if the Broncos opt to have four active tight ends on the roster, the fourth-year pro will have to perform well during training camp and preseason to earn a spot on this year’s squad.
Final Thoughts
Adkins’ ability to line up at multiple spots and perform well on special teams go in his favor. Additionally, he has a strong knowledge of the playbook giving him an edge against some of the other younger players mentioned. Perhaps Adkins’ true battle to make the final 53 isn’t a tight end numbers game, but a question on whether or not the Broncos’ brass believe he could replace fullback Adam Prentice’s role on the squad.
