Initial expectations and projections for Albert Okwuegbunam with the Broncos in 2020

DENVER — Physically, the Broncos drafted a near-perfect tight end prospect in Albert Okwuegbunam.

At 6-foot-5, 258 pounds, Albert O., as he was nicknamed in college, has the ideal size to pair with lightning-fast speed. His 4.49 40-yard dash at the combine was the fastest by a tight end, even edging out Noah Fant’s blazing 4.5 40-yard time from a year ago.

Oh, to go along with the ideal physical traits, Albert O. was one of Drew Lock’s favorite targets at Missouri.

Yet despite all of this, the Missouri tight end fell to the fourth round. Will his potential and chemistry with Lock blossom from the moment the two reconnect or will it take some time?

Here’s what to expect from Albert O. during his rookie season.

Projections for 2020: 16 receptions; 192 yards; 2 touchdowns

Of the Broncos’ 2020 draft class, no player has a wider range between his ceiling and floor for his rookie season than Albert O.

Projected as the third tight end on Denver’s roster, it’s very possible Albert O. rarely sees the field, especially since the Broncos already have a receiving threat at tight end in Fant.

However, with Nick Vannett, Denver’s projected No. 2 tight end, being a primary run-block tight end, Okwuegbunam could easily play the role of a No. 2 tight end in the passing game. That, along with his chemistry with Lock and a pass-friendly offense under Pat Shurmur, gives Albert O. the chance to have a dynamic rookie season.

At Missouri, Okwuegbunam had his two best seasons catching passes while working with Lock. In those two years, he caught an average of 36 passes for 440.5 yards and 8.5 touchdowns from Drew. During that time, Albert O. nearly averaged a touchdown per game.

As a rookie, Okwuegbunam’s role could very well be a deep threat in the middle of the field and another tall target in the red zone. While a touchdown per game is certainly too much to expect from any tight end in the NFL, especially a third-string rookie, it wouldn’t be a shock to see him end the season with more touchdowns than expected.

But with so many receiving options on the Broncos’ roster, expectations should be tempered for Albert O. during his rookie season. However, don’t forget about him moving forward.