This might surprise a lot of people, but the Denver Broncos have not had many great tight ends in its history. There have been some good tight ends and one great one, but mostly just a slew of above average or just decent tight ends. I hate to say it, but its true.
My list obviously starts with Shannon Sharpe, who was easily the greatest tight end in team history. Riley Odoms is the other obvious candidate, then I’d put in Julius Thomas and Dwayne Carswell. For the final spot, I really struggled to find
a guy I felt deserved to be on the list. That’s where the above average crowd began. I decided to go with Clarence Kay, because it offered me a chance to share a funny childhood story. I became a fan in the 80s and the news was wall-to-wall coverage for Clarence Thomas’ confirmation hearings in the Supreme Court. I didn’t know any of that at the time, but I distinctly remember thinking and believing for a moment that Clarence Kay and Clarence Thomas were the same person and was confused why a football player could also be in government. I was very young, but that memory remained as one I think back on at how silly that sounds today. So welcome to the Top 5, Clarence! 😆
- Shannon Sharpe
- Riley Odoms
- Dwayne Carswell
- Julius Thomas
- Clarence Kay
Here is where the rest of the staff landed on the top five for tight ends in Broncos’ history:
Scotty Payne: Shannon Sharpe is a Hall of Famer and one of the greatest tight ends of all time. Julius Thomas was only productive for a few seasons but they were very impactful and he was a key part of the Broncos offense during the Peyton Manning years.
- Shannon Sharpe
- Julius Thomas
- Riley Odoms
- Dwayne Carswell
- Daniel Graham
Chris Hart: By the end of Shannon Sharpe’s stellar career in 2003, he was the NFL’s most decorated and productive tight end. Certainly the best in franchise history and one of the greatest tight ends all-time. Riley Odoms was a top-flight player at the position in the 1970s and spent over a decade with the franchise. Julius Thomas’ time in Denver was short and sweet, but his penchant for touchdowns from Peyton Manning were a huge bright spot for the team and one of the reasons Denver’s offenses were so prolific in that time frame. Dwayne Carswell was a great compliment to Sharpe and a key reason for Denver’s ground game success. Noah Fant might surprise some here, but he was easily one of the most talented players the franchise has had at the position. Perhaps with a better quarterback and offensive coordinator, he could have realized his potential before being traded off to Seattle in the deal that netted the Broncos Russell Wilson.
- Shannon Sharpe
- Riley Odoms
- Julius Thomas
- Dwayne Carswell
- Noah Fant
Ian St. Clair: Sharpe is one of the best tight ends ever. Odoms finally got the recognition he deserved for decades by getting inducted in the Ring of Fame. Thomas was magical during that run with PFM. Scheffler is fifth for yardage by a tight end, and Carswell (House) is arguably the best blocking tight end in franchise history.
- Shannon Sharpe
- Riley Odoms
- Julius Thomas
- Tony Scheffler
- Dwayne Carswell
Sadaraine: This list could probably stop at #1. Shannon Sharpe was a marvel to watch, who revolutionized the position. Odoms is easily our #2 with superb contributions over 9 years. Julius Thomas didn’t have longevity, but that guy burned bright and was an absolute unstoppable weapon with Manning throwing him the ball.
- Shannon Sharpe
- Riley Odoms
- Julius Thomas
- Clarence Kay
- Dwayne Carswell
I was surprised that Julius Thomas received universal support here, but looking at the historical list of tight ends it doesn’t actually surprise me as much. There really haven’t been many great tight ends in team history.
What is your top five tight end list?
