Future Broncos: Finding a playmaker at tight end

Upgrading the inside linebacker position should be a primary focus for the Denver Broncos in the 2026 NFL Draft.

Summarized by AI ⓘ

What is the story about?

In the early installments of Future Broncos

, we’ve dove into a handful of prospects on the offensive line, defensive line, and at linebacker. Those were my three biggest preliminary draft needs for Denver leading up to the 2026 NFL Draft. Outside of those three, one could make a strong argument that finding a high-profile prospect at tight end would be in the franchise’s best interest moving forward.

To date, the early returns on free agent addition Evan Engram have been limited. While I’m still

optimistic he can become a big part of the offense in 2025, he certainly isn’t a part of the team’s long-term vision at the age of 31—as he signed only a two-year deal. Denver is expected to get second-year tight end Nate Adkins back for their game against the Cincinatti Bengals. I thought the UDFA from last season performed admirable when called upon, but he doesn’t necessarily translate as a legitimate top target at the position.

Keep in mind, veteran Adam Trautman is an unrestricted free agent at year’s end. Additionally, Lucas Krull will be a restricted free agent. Last year’s seventh-round draft selection Caleb Lohner still has a lot of work to do, and his potential shouldn’t preclude Denver from being interested in finding a significant upgrade next April. So, who are some of the top options for the Broncos could consider early on? Let’s discuss a few.

Kenyon Sadiq — Tight End — Oregon

Four-star high school standout Kenyon Sadiq didn’t have to travel far to find his next home to continue his gridiron joruney. The Idaho native trekked Westward a few hundred miles and landed in Eugene, Oregon to become the next big playmaker for Dan Lanning and the Ducks.

As a freshman in 2023, Sadiq saw time in fourteen games serving primarily as a reserve and special teams’ player. He caught only five passes for 24 yards and 1 touchdown. In 2024, Sadiq made some strides in his sophomore year hauling in 24 receptions for 308 yards and 2 touchdowns. His two-touchdown performance against Penn State in the Big Ten Championship game elevated his status in the eyes of talent evaluators and have drawn him first-round grades entering his junior year at Oregon.

At 6’3 and 245 pounds, he possesses similar size to Engram and reminds me a bit of Isaiah Likely who was a standout pass catcher at Coastal Carolina several years ago. The one big difference between them is Sadiq’s tenacity as a run blocker. He’s very active in that regard and a hard-nosed player who has no problems giving it his all to help establish the Ducks’ formidable rushing attack.

Through four games this season, he has 9 catches for 155 yards and 3 touchdowns. That 17.2 yard-per-catch average is one of the best in all of college football. Sadiq plays with great athleticism (4.55 speed), poise, and is a gifted player. There aren’t many holes about his game, but crisping up his routes will bode well for him as he works toward taking his talents to the pros.

Overall, it wouldn’t surprise me in the least if he winds up being a Top 20 pick when Spring comes along. He is definitely someone I’d peg in as a potential first-round selection for the Broncos if they opt to go in that direction. You can see Sadiq in primetime this evening when the sixth-ranked Ducks take on the third-ranked Penn State Nittany Lions this evening.

Max Klare — Tight End — Ohio State (via Purdue)

Over the years, the Broncos have added a lot of prospects from Ohio State to their roster. With a long-term need at tight end, don’t be surprised if Denver’s scouting department is keeping close tabs on another draft eligible Buckeye this cycle. That would be senior tight end Max Klare, who is spending his first year in Columbus after three seasons at Purdue.

At 6’4” and 240 pounds, Klare boasts the physical profile you want for an NFL tight end. He isn’t going to burn you with deep speed (4.7 40-yard dash) but is a fluid mover on tape and is a sure-fire winner on seam routes and concepts targeting the middle of the field. I like his toughness and tenacity. He’s extremely hard to bring down after initial contact and generates quality yardage over the catch. He’s a tried-and-true playmaker that can attack all three levels of the defense.

Last year with the Boilmakers, he embarked upon a special junior season notching 51 catches for 685 yards and four touchdowns. He was a big-time threat for them in the redzone during his time there. In three games with the Buckeyes, Klare hasn’t endured the same success adjusting to a new team. He has just 4 catches for 48 yards and 1 touchdown on the year. Nevertheless, I’m definitely not down on him because of that. I’m confident he will be able to turn things around and notch a productive final season in the collegiate ranks.

How he performs the rest of the way out and his medical checkup at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis will play a big role in his draft stock. On top of that, I’d like to see some of that grit he shows after the catch show up in his run blocking, but as usual, most tight ends in college are a work in progress in that department. All things considered, there is no doubt he is an extremely talented player. You can catch him in action this afternoon when the top-ranked Buckeyes take on the Washington Huskies.

Other Top Prospects to Watch:

The two aforementioned will likely be the first two tight ends off the board next April, but here are several other prospects to keep in mind as the ‘25 college season progresses. All five of these players could find their way into Top 100 consideration if they perform well over the next few months.