The Denver Broncos made a surprising decision during roster cuts when they waived tight end Justin Joly, who was a fifth-round pick out of NC State in this year's NFL draft.
Many fans were even more surprised when fellow tight end Dallen Bentley, a seventh-round draft pick, made the 53-man roster. That was a clear demonstration that the Broncos were finalizing their roster based on merit, not by draft status. Joly might have a bright future as a receiving tight end, but he was too raw for a spot on Denver's active roster. Bentley, on the other hand, made the most of his opportunities this summer.
“It was well deserved," veteran tight end Evan Engram said of Bentley making the team. "I thought that Dallen had an amazing camp. I think I said it
in a press conference earlier, as a rookie tight end, this offense is a lot to learn, and is a lot to pick up, and is a lot to play fast with. I thought he did a great job, and I told him that it was well deserved."
Bentley is now set to serve as the club's fourth tight end behind Engram, Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins. Engram will be a willing mentor.
"The real work starts now," Engram said. "I just want to be any type of help I can be for him. I’ve experienced a lot, and I enjoy passing down those experiences and give him the lessons before he may have to go through them.”
Joly, meanwhile, was claimed off waivers by the Miami Dolphins, ending the chances of Joly returning on Denver's practice squad. It will be fascinating to now follow the careers of the two tight ends after the Broncos ultimately chose Bentley over Joly when they set the 53-man roster.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Rookie TE making Broncos' roster was 'well deserved' after 'amazing camp'
