Broncos Film Room: What Denver is getting in Noah Fant

Ushering in a new era of Denver Broncos football under head coach Vic Fangio, the Denver Broncos selected Iowa tight end Noah Fant 20th overall.

Though really, this pick is much more about new quarterback Joe Flacco and offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello and is yet another move to try and fix the Broncos offense. When at his best, Flacco’s always had a reliable pass-catching tight end and Denver’s new play-caller also benefits greatly from this addition. 

After going back to watch the tape, here’s what Fant brings to the table; good and bad.

Strengths

• Fant is a mismatch tight end with incredible speed to stretch defenses up the seam.

• He can be moved all over the formation to hunt matchups and would be a special target out of the slot, out the backfield, or when put in motion.

• He’s an incredible athlete with impressive leaping ability that makes him a huge asset in the red zone, scoring 18 touchdowns in his last two seasons.
• He’s long and more athletic than most receivers and even took some direct handoffs at Iowa.
• His athleticism shows up most after the catch where he’s an explosive runner with power to run defenders over in the open field.

• Has elite quickness that could allow him to be a dynamic weapon underneath, needs polish as a route runner but has shown flashes.
• His big frame combined with his elite athleticism for the position could make him a stud on contested catches.
• Is as quick and tough to cover out the slot as any of the big wideouts in this draft.
• Has shown flashes to use his 250-pound frame to box out defenders and gain position.
• He’s shown upside as a blocker, especially when put on the move. Has the potential to be developed into a solid blocking tight end.
• Can find holes in coverage and is talented in getting open over the middle when engaged.
• While inconsistent, he’s a big play waiting to happen with game-changing ability.

Weaknesses

• Fant is still raw and needs work in several different areas, starting with his blocking.
• Isn’t an overly powerful blocker, doesn’t play with natural leverage and isn’t great at sealing off defenders.
• He won’t be an asset in pass pro or as a run blocker in his rookie year.
• Fant isn’t the most polished route runner and will need to be sharper getting open underneath to become a true safety valve for his quarterback.
• Elite quickness for the position doesn’t always show up.
• Hands can be inconsistent, had a few too many drops in his career and needs to be more physical coming down with contested catches.
• Doesn’t make a ton of tough, acrobatic grabs on tape.

In conclusion

Fant really stresses opposing defenses over the middle and will open up room for backs in the passing game much like outside receivers.

His versatility will allow Scangarello to be creative and utilize him in a lot of two-tight-end sets. With Fant’s athleticism and receiving ability, those two-tight-end sets will work just as well three-receiver formations, making this offense a whole lot harder to defend than it has been in the recent past.

Not only have the Broncos added a receiving tight end who’s a red zone threat, which they’ve been missing since Julius Thomas’ departure, but they’ve also added a weapon who stretches defenses up the seam. This is key for Flacco’s big arm and really stresses linebackers and safeties on opposing defenses, clearing out space for the run game, and forcing teams to be on-point with their communication and assignments, or the athletic tight end will feast on easy big plays.

The toolsy receiver will need to be developed and utilized the right way, which is why this isn’t a slam dunk pick as of right now, but if the Broncos are able to develop him and put Fant in the best position to succeed, the sky is truly the limit.

Fant compares favorably to someone like Zach Ertz, who makes a living in the slot and is a tough cover for opposing defenses. If that’s what Denver got in their 2019 first-round pick, this will have been an excellent selection that could be the start of the offensive turnaround in the Mile High City.