Rookie UDFA Nate Adkins Provides Positional Flexibility for Broncos
Nate Adkins was listed at tight end when the Denver Broncos signed the South Carolina product as a college free agent following the 2023 NFL draft. But that isn't his only position — nor, arguably, his best position — as Adkins is also capable of playing fullback.
Which presents a unique scenario.
“The first question we asked ourselves is, ‘Does he go with the tight end room, or does he go the running back room?’ He can go to either," Broncos head coach Sean Payton explained in June. "He goes to the tight end room, but he would be an ‘F’ tight end that would be used at times in some roles like [FB Michael] Burton would be used in. He would be an ‘F’ candidate.”
The son of former longtime offensive line coach Greg Adkins, Nate had "a key role in Gamecocks' offense with his elite blocking along with his playmaker ability, being used like former Gamecock and Pro-bowl fullback Adam Prentice, who's now with the New Orleans Saints," according to Gamecock Digest.
The 6-foot-3, 252-pound player opened 2022 as South Carolina's lead-blocking fullback and special teams contributor before a quasi-conversion to tight end, whereupon he tallied 13 receptions for 168 yards over the season's final three games.
"Adkins offers good play strength and tenacity as a point-of-attack blocker," NFL.com's Lance Zierlein wrote in his scouting profile. "He will need to improve his hand usage and play with better consistency to adjust on the move as a lead blocker. He will catch what is thrown to him and should be able to handle every phase of special teams. Adkins might go undrafted, but he has the toughness, frame and demeanor to warrant camp consideration as an NFL fullback.
Adkins' dual-threat capabilities essentially make him a replacement for ex-Broncos FB/TE Andrew Beck, who departed to the Houston Texans in March free agency. Whether he can carve out a roster spot, as Beck did for three years, remains to be seen, however.
Payton himself mentioned the addition of ex-Chiefs FB Michael Burton, a projected Week 1 starter, and the Broncos are unlikely to carry two at that position.
The TE room is even more daunting as it features sophomore riser Greg Dulcich, who's cemented atop the depth chart, and a host of vets including Chris Manhertz, Adam Trautman, and Albert Okwuegbunam.
Perhaps with a solid showing in training camp, Adkins can push to land on the practice squad. His versatility, if anything, appeals to the coaching staff.
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