Throughout training camp, several players on offense have received a lot of praise and rave reviews. Rookie running back Jonah Coleman has impressed early on. Additionally, second year wide receiver Pat Bryant continues to make his case to see more playing time. Both figures to play an important role for the offense this year.
What we haven’t heard a lot about is the progression of the Broncos’ tight end group. Denver opted to bring back every player from the room last season—a move a lot of fans
across Broncos Country weren’t too high on. They also added Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. It’s unlikely either rookie will make a large impact in their first year in the NFL.
Instead, the Broncos are hoping their core group of veterans can take a much-needed leap this season. One of those players is tenth-year pro Evan Engram. Touted as a potential joker for Head Coach Payton’s offense, Engram’s first season in Denver was relatively quiet.
To help reach new heights offensively, the Broncos will need more production from Engram in ‘26. Entering his second year with the Broncos, Head Coach Sean Payton believes the longtime veteran is much more comfortable with the offense. And in turn, that feeling will boost his confidence and help him be more of a factor on offense this season.
“I think there’s a level of confidence relative to where he’s at and what he’s doing. You could see him play faster with that foundation. I feel that. Then that thing called confidence comes when you’re consistently doing it and I think we’re all seeing that. That’s good,” stated Payton.
While he was the third-most targeted player in Denver’s passing game last season, Engram’s production didn’t match the offseason hype. On 76 targets, he reeled in 50 catches for 461 yards and only 1 touchdown. Only nineteen of those catches moved the chains. All some of the lowest marks of his career.
Even so, quarterback Bo Nix remains optimistic about Engram’s ability to have a big impact offensively for their upcoming gridiron campaign. Nix praised the longtime veteran’s ability to be a threat in the passing game. Though also acknowledged he has seen more growth and involvement from him as a run blocker.
“I think his ability to provide strength in the run game is what’s showing right now. He’s a willing blocker. Last year we used him a little bit more as a vertical pass threat, but I think him getting in the box and blocking is going to open more things up,” stated Nix on what he has seen from Engram to date.
The Broncos are a strong five-deep at the wide receiver position. On top of that, second-year running back RJ Harvey figures to be an important part of Denver’s passing plans just like he was as a rookie. Where Engram eventually ends up in their offensive target share remains to be seen, but hopefully, he is able to make more of an impact this season.
