Finding Broncos: Top TEs and OT of Interest

Finding Broncos scouts the 2023 NFL Draft by examining the top tight ends and a top tackle in the class.

The Broncos have a need at the tight end position following the departures of Eric Tomlinson, Eric Saubert, and Andrew Beck. They need more dynamic ability and a player that can be featured on all three downs, showing quality pass-catching ability and being a quality blocker in the running game.

Dalton Kincaid | TE | Utah

© Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Pros:

• A true “move” tight end that operates best while stretching the field vertically down the seam.
• Incredible athleticism for the position.
• Has great twitch and change of direction ability ad a route runner.
• High-quality receiver with smooth hands and a large catch radius.
• Fluidity as a route runner pops off of the screen.
• The catch-and-run ability for days.
• He has enough top-end speed to run away from defenders in open space.
• He wins jump ball and contested catch scenarios more often than not.

Cons:

• Run blocking is severely questionable, though the effort is there.
• A thinner frame and a lack of power allow defenders to bully him as a blocker.
• Hand placement issues and an upright pad level lead to leverage issues.
• Consistency in physicality needs to be better.
• One speed runner that needs better variation and timing through his route.
• He can get knocked off of balance by more physical defenders.

Fit with the Broncos:

Dalton Kincaid isn’t a great fit for the Broncos because they already have a very similar player in Greg Dulcich on the roster. In addition, Denver has to be better up front in the running game, and Kincaid is a liability as a blocker sometimes.

Michael Mayer | TE | Notre Dame

© Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports

Pros:

• He is a good athlete for the position and relative to his size.
• He has a big-time catch radius and smooth hands outside of the framework of his body.
• Really good body control and shows some acrobatic ability as a pass catcher.
• More quick than fast and runs really good routes against zone coverage.
• Quality blocker up front that uses good technique to move defenders.
• Physicality and effort are there on every rep.
• Can be an effective pass blocker as well.
• Can split out wide but is much more comfortable as an in-line player.
• Broke his own program record with nine receiving touchdowns in 2022.

Cons:

• Lacks the elite quickness and athleticism desired for a "move" tight end.
• Concentration drops poison his tape at times.
• He lacks desired blocking strength to be a true mauler in the running game.
• He is not very explosive off of the line or out of his breaks.
• Doesn’t create much separation against man coverage.
• Doesn’t make defenders miss out in open space nearly enough for a player of his size.
• He needs to be better in contested catch situations.

Fit with the Broncos:

Considered by many as the top tight end in the class, Mayer would be a great addition to the roster as an experienced and versatile player at the position. Mayer would almost instantly become the top tight end on the roster, as he can be relied upon as a blocker while working well over the middle of the field as a receiver. Therefore, there is a small possibility Mayer will be available when the Broncos come to the podium, and if he is, the Broncos should pounce immediately.

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Luke Musgrave | TE | Oklahoma State

© Soobum Im-USA TODAY Sports

Pros:

• Seam stretching tight end.
• Tracks the ball well over his shoulder on deep targets.
• Prototypical size and length for the position.
• He is a fluid route runner that snaps out of his breaks well.
• NFL bloodlines with a high football IQ.
• He does a nice job finding open space against zone coverage.
• He is explosive with the ball in his hands and out in open space.
• Straight line speed for days and can outrun linebackers with ease.
• Stresses defenses vertically and across the middle of the field with good acceleration and top speed.
• Sudden change of direction ability as a route runner.
• Understands the nuances of being a quality blocker.

Cons:

• He missed a ton of time in college with significant injury concerns.
• Blocking strength is lacking due to poor footwork.
• Lacks upper body strength against physical defenders throughout the route.
• Can get redirected at times.
• He struggles to fight through tackles due to a lean lower half.
• The catch radius is lacking outside of the framework of his body.
• Some route-running refinement is needed, as is a more diverse route tree.
• Speed variation is needed as a route runner.
• Has a 16 percent drop rate with a small sample size of targets per PFF.

Fit with the Broncos:

Luke Musgrave is a good fit for the Broncos as a high-upside dart throw. He is incredibly explosive for the position and shows reliable hands, but he has room to grow as a blocker. Due to injury concerns, Musgrave could see a considerable slide down the draft board, making him an enticing target for the Broncos in the third round. 

Darnell Washington | TE | Georgia

© Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Pros:

• Super freak of an athlete with immense size at the position.
• Powerful blocker that acts as a sixth offensive lineman on the field in the running game.
• He is physical as a receiver and walls off defenders easily due to his size.
• He is impossible to bring down when he gets a head of steam.
• He has a good stiff arm and uses his length to keep defenders at bay.
• Showed reliable hands inside the framework of his body.
• Incredible leaping ability.

Cons:

• Relies more on strength as a blocker than technique and hand placement.
• He projects mainly as an in-line tight end rather than a "move" player that can line up all over the formation.
• He misses defenders at the second level due to ducking his head down.
• Not very many targets in his career, making him a projection as a reliable receiving option.
• Below average burst off of the line of scrimmage as a route runner.
• Stiff hips cause him to make wide turns coming out of the break.
• Change of direction ability is lacking severely, as is lateral agility.
• Not a refined route runner.

Fit with the Broncos:

Darnell Washington makes a ton of sense for the Broncos as a developmental receiving tight end that can see the field immediately as a blocker, even with Chris Manhertz in the fold. Washington brings a rare blend of height, weight, and speed as an athlete, making him an intriguing prospect as a mismatch against linebackers and safeties. Washington would be a good option if he is available in the third round. 

Jaelyn Duncan | OT | Maryland

© Matthew OHaren-USA TODAY Sports

Pros:

• Good size and athleticism for the position.
• Works well in open space, showing good fluidity and change of direction ability.
• Good pad level coming off of the ball and plays with decent leverage.
• He plays with proper knee bend.
• He has smooth feet in his kick slide, showing the makings of a quality pass protector.
• A four-year starter at left tackle.
• His recovery ability after first contact allows him to ride rushers around the arc.
• He has good hand placement at initial contact and resets his placement very well.

Cons:

• Not physical enough and doesn’t finish the rep with demeanor.
• He misses defenders out in open space, making his athleticism practically useless.
• Ducks his head into contact at the second level.
• He lacks the desired length for the position, making him a candidate to kick inside to guard.
• Length issues cause him to lunge at defenders, making him sometimes get off balance.
• He allows too many defenders to cross his face on counter moves.
• Initial punch strength leaves a lot to be desired.
• He lacks a true anchor and can get bullied by powerful defenders.

Fit with the Broncos:

The Denver Broncos are looking for a quality swing tackle after losing Calvin Anderson to free agency, so Duncan could be a quality option. Though he is a candidate to kick inside at the next level, Duncan’s experience as a starting left tackle is enticing due to the potential release of Garett Bolles following the 2023 season. With a bit of refinement and boosted strength, Duncan could become a decent starter at the next level. 

With the strong tight end class, the Broncos can take advantage of the depth. Unfortunately, the tackle class isn't as strong, so hoping a top guy falls to them would be a dream that may not happen. 

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