ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — In the Broncos’ tight end room, the depth chart is led by a talented pass-catcher who is still finding his way as a blocker, and a road-grading blocker who has been used infrequently as a receiving target as a pro, with just 18 catches over 68 games played in his first six seasons.
Albert Okwuegbunam and Eric Tomlinson are pieces of an overall puzzle. But Greg Dulcich, the UCLA tight end selected by the Broncos with the No. 80 overall pick, has the potential to be the all-around fit whose presence on the field won’t tip the offense’s hand — if he can refine his game as a blocker.
After measuring at 243 pounds at the NFL Combine, Dulcich will likely need to add some bulk to be ready for an extensive dual-threat role. However, he believes his work at UCLA will have him ready for the dirty-work aspects of playing tight end.
“I’m great at blocking. That’s what I was mainly asked to do at UCLA — we’re a run-first team, so I never shy away from that,” Dulcich said. “I take pride in being a tough player that blocks at the point of attack. I’m nasty in the trenches for sure.”
And make no mistake, his bread will be buttered as a target — especially downfield. Dulcich averaged 17.6 yards per catch at UCLA.
”He’s a guy that can vertically stretch the field,” Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett said in an interview posted on the team’s social-media channels. “He’s got unbelievably soft hands, so he’s one of those guys that you love to throw the ball to and is always friendly to the quarterback.”
That’s what Dulcich felt separated him from others in the draft class. He was the second tight end taken behind Colorado State’s Trey McBride, who was the No. 55 overall selection of the Arizona Cardinals.
“With my receiver background, the separation I get … that’s something that makes me stand out and that’s something I’m going to contribute at the next level,” Dulcich said.
There is no doubt that Dulcich will make plays in the passing game. But if he can become at least a functional NFL-level blocker, he can become the every-down tight end the Broncos need.
