The Denver Broncos have seven picks in the 2026 NFL Draft and need to shore up depth and long-term potential across several position groups. One of those is the tight end position. The unit scheduled to return all the same players from last season but didn’t perform up to par production-wise in 2025.
It’s unlikely that the top prospects this year will be available at the Broncos’ second-round pick. If that is the case, I would expect Denver to find a tight end somewhere on Day 3 where they currently
have six selections. This year’s group of talent at the position is quite deep so there should be plenty of developmental options for them.
A mid-to-late round prospect that may interest Denver is Michigan’s Marlin Klein. In 13 games this past season, he had 24 catches for 248 yards and one touchdown. While his career production is low and doesn’t stand out, Klein’s traits should translate well to the NFL. Let’s do a deep dive regarding his strengths and weaknesses, and why and when the Broncos should consider selection him in this year’s draft.
Player Profile: Marlin Klein — Tight End — Michigan
Height: 6’6” | Weight: 248 pounds | Arm Length: 32-3/8” | Hand Size: 9-1/4” | Age: 23 Years Old
40-Yard Dash: 4.62 seconds | 10-Yard Split: 1.64 seconds | 3-Cone Drill: 7.42 seconds
Vertical: 36” | Broad Jump: 9’9” | Bench Press: N/A
Statistics: 36 games played, 12 starts. 38 receptions, 364 receiving yards, 1 touchdown.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- NFL ready size with a large wingspan and the frame to add on more strength and weight
- Great athlete who has good long speed and deceptiveness when working the seam and on downfield concepts
- One of this year’s better prospects at the Y tight end position that boasts good inline ability and also has experience as a H-Back
- Plus run blocker who comes from a program known for establishing the run
- Untapped receiving potential and was also flexed out in the slot on occasion with the Wolverines
- Gained nearly 60-percent of his yards after the catch
- Strong hands and was credited with only 3 drops throughout his collegiate career
- Offers upside and ability on special teams with ample experience on multiple units during
- Well-respected by teammates and coaching staff at Michigan; voted a team captain for the ‘25 season
Negatives:
- Relatively new to football, he doesn’t have a lot of starting experience which is something the Broncos value greatly
- Extremely limited production during his collegiate career, only had 66 targets over four years, though he was backing up former first-round pick Colston Loveland for several seasons
- Needs to utilize his size more in contested catch situations; should be more physical at the catch point
- Routes could use a little bit more polish
Hart’s Projection: Top 150 Selection — Early Fifth Round Value
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Klein
The Broncos have Adam Trautman and Evan Engram slated to be their top two tight ends for the 2026 season. Behind them, Nate Adkins, Lucas Krull, and Caleb Lohner are three players that will have a shot to compete for a spot on the Broncos’ 53-man final roster. Adding a tight end through the draft will be important for the Broncos—especially with Engram being in the final year of his contract.
Klein’s lack of experience and production are a primary reason why he is valued as a Day 3 selection. I don’t hold that against him too much, especially since he was backing up Loveland, who was a high pick in last year’s draft. Managing Editor Tim Lynch’s big board had Klein rated as a Tier 3 fit for the Broncos, likely devalued due to the aforementioned issues.
However, his athleticism, size and capability to play inline will be valued by NFL teams who will likely be higher on them than most draft analysts or consensus rankings. I wouldn’t be surprised if a team rolled the dice on Klein in the fourth round. If the Broncos were one of them, I’d consider it a mild reach, operating under the belief there might be better fits at tight end or value at that point in time. Though Klein’s athletic upside and ability to be a true inline tight end that can also pitch in elsewhere is intriguing.
