Broncos’ tight end options in the 2022 NFL Draft

Acquiring Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson was the final piece for the Broncos rebuild over the last six seasons. While the core pieces are now in place for the Broncos to get back to competing for Super Bowls, the fine-tuning of the roster will never be finished.

Noah Fant is now a Seattle Seahawk and while there were mixed opinions about Fant’s performance over the last three years in Denver, the Broncos will need to address the tight end position before the 2021 season. Albert Okwuegbunam is expected to play a bigger role and the Broncos added a blocking tight end in Eric Tomlinson to replace Eric Saubert.

The 2022 Draft is deep at tight end and although the Broncos won’t pick until midway through Day 2, there should plenty of quality options to give Russell Wilson another weapon.

Trey McBride and Jalen Wydermyer were my top two tight ends after the 2021 season and both seem to be moving in opposite directions. McBride has earned plenty of pre-draft buzz and could be gone by the time the Broncos get to pick. Wydermyer gave a disappointing performance at Texas A&M’s Pro Day after electing to not work out at the NFL Combine.

I’ve talked at length about Trey McBride throughout the season and on the DNVR Draft Pod. For a more in-depth breakdown on his game, check this Film Room recapping his 2021 season.

McBride is the most complete and versatile tight end in this class and drafting him would give the Broncos multiple personnel options that go beyond 11 and 10 personnel. McBride was the Colorado State offense in 2021. His versatility and ability to impact the passing game was the reason why the Rams were able to have any success in 2021. McBride projects as a true Y tight end where he will become a key contributor in both the run and pass game. While not elite in any specific trait, McBride shows polish as a route runner, very good catch radius, the ability to pancake defenders in the run game and proved he could be a leader both on and off the field. McBride won the Mackey Award in 2021 as the nation’s top tight end.

Jalen Wydermyer is one of the more intriguing prospects in this class. Texas A&M dealt with injuries and mediocre-to-bad play at the quarterback position limiting Wydermyer’s chances to show off his talents. He is a big, long, athletic tight end at 6-foot-4, 255 pounds. He profiles as a big slot tight end with obvious ability as a receiver and runner after the catch. Texas A&M held their Pro Day on March 22nd and chances are NFL scouts and front office personnel have more questions than answers when it comes to Wydermyer after a dreadful 5.03 40-yard dash.

Greg Dulcich was UCLA’s most consistent threat in the passing game over the last two seasons. He projects as a traditional Y, meaning he is a true threat in the passing game and can be asked to hold his own as a blocker. Dulcich had an average combine but the film is good. Dulcich routinely made big plays for the Bruins as he averaged 17.6 yards per reception at UCLA.

Isaiah Likely dominated Sun Belt competition at Coastal Carolina and was a big part of the Chanticleer’s rise over the last two seasons. He can play traditional Y tight end, H-back and split out in the slot or perimeter. He routinely found ways to get behind defenses for big plays including a 99-yard catch and run for a touchdown vs. Arkansas State in 2021. Likely was somewhat of a tough evaluation due to the competition but he has earned plenty of draft buzz and will be an intriguing option no matter where he lands in the NFL.

Charlie Kolar was a consistently productive player for Iowa State and competed in 43 games for the Cyclones over the last four seasons. He has a massive frame at 6-foot-6, 252 pounds, and is a traditional Y tight end. Kolar was a lynchpin for the Cyclone’s offense with the size to be a mismatch player in the NFL. He was a consistently reliable target at Iowa State where he showed he has some of the best hands of any tight end in this class. Kolar has been a name to watch over the last two years within the draft community but has seemed to lose momentum in terms of draft stock recently. It’s entirely possible that the NFL could be higher on Kolar than the media but if he were to make it to Day 3, it would be a home run pick.

Cole Turner is a former receiver converted to tight end for the Nevada Wolfpack. While new and obviously raw in terms of being a complete tight end, Turner flashed enough as a target in the passing game over the last two years to earn serious draft consideration on Day 3. He has one of the best highlight reels of any tight end with numerous incredible catches where his catch radius and wide receiver pedigree were consistently on display. Russell Wilson thrives throwing the deep ball and Turner would provide the Broncos a target that could bail the team and Wilson out in tough situations.

Jeremy Ruckert is one of the more complete tight ends in terms of overall skill set but was never very productive since Ohio State has been a wide receiver factory. Ruckert shows the ability to get himself open through route running and is a good, willing blocker. With only 54 receptions for 615 yards and 12 touchdowns in his four years playing for the Buckeyes, Ruckert’s best and most productive football is still ahead of him.

Trae Barry was a tight end for Jacksonville State before transferring to Boston College for the 2021 season. Boston College’s season was derailed when starting quarterback Phil Jurkovec’s season was ended prematurely. Barry ended 2021 with 21 receptions for 362 yards and two touchdowns. Barry’s combination of size and athleticism will be a big selling point for teams looking to draft a tight end.

The Broncos have three picks on Day 2 at 64, 75 and 96 overall with five picks on Day 3. Listen to the DNVR Draft pod for all our tight-end rankings and analysis here.