With the 156th pick in the fifth round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Wisconsin’s standout tight end Troy Fumagalli.

Fumagalli was a well-known player coming into the season who had a good year with the Badgers and is a nice addition to a need area for the Broncos.

We went back to the tape to see what he brings to Denver.

Strengths:

• Fumagalli is a willing blocker who can be effective when put on the move. He’s especially impressive as a run blocker when he has a head of steam.
• He has upside to play as an h-back and become a mismatch when put out on linebackers. He can be moved around the formation some. 
• When he’s engaged, he’s a feisty run blocker and can create push even as an in-line tight end.

• He has strong hands, and can make receptions with defenders draped all over him. His ability to make grabs away from his body is really impressive.

• The Badgers TE can be a weapon flexed out to the slot, where he’s produced the last two seasons as a receiver.

• Fumagalli is a good underneath receiver who can find small openings and be productive.

• He has the potential to be a red-zone target, given his size and ability to box out in short-yardage situations.
• He makes up for a lack of speed with great body positioning as a receiver.

Weaknesses:

• Fumagalli can struggle blocking in pass protection; he just isn’t a powerful in-line blocker as of now. 
• He needs to be quicker in and out of his breaks while running routes.
• He doesn’t have the speed to burn defenses up the seam.  
• He’s is a bit light in the pants, he lacks power in his lower body, which shows both in his explosiveness off the line and in his struggles blocking in line. He’ll need to add weight and power to become a complete player at the position.
• He’s got close to prototypical tight end size but doesn’t always play as big as he is. He’ll need to develop and become more physical, especially as a blocker. 
• He’s a limited athlete who doesn’t have the ability to create separation. 

In conclusion

Fumagalli is a nice depth piece to a tight-end room that was in need of more bodies. While he’s not a highlight real-type player, he’s a very good receiver who could be a nice security blanket in the passing game. 

With some added weight and technique work, he can become a complete tight end once his blocking ability is refined. His routes could be improved as well, which could allow him to be a decent starter at his position, with a little coaching and work in the weight room.

He’s a nice compliment to the bigger and more complete Jake Butt or Jeff Heuerman, and could even be used out the backfield as an h-back, a role that’s been featured in Bill Musgrave’s offense in the past.

His productivity and ability to come up with tough catches fits the mold of who the Broncos have targeted so far in the draft, with the additions of receivers Courtland Sutton and DaeSean Hamilton. While they’re not burners, defensive backs won’t enjoy having to play against this physical group of targets, who can make tough catches look routine.

This was a good pick, at a good value for another collegiate producer who should be a safe pick. This was another high floor and low ceiling selection out of the Big Ten.