Theo Johnson vs. Cade Stover: Identifying Broncos' Best TE Fit
The Denver Broncos need more from their tight room. Between five players, Denver's tight ends combined for 39 receptions (on 60 targets) for 362 yards and four touchdowns.
Those would be solid numbers for a No. 2 tight end on the depth chart, but not from the whole room. That doesn't mention the lackluster blocking the Broncos received from the tight end position throughout the season. Both aspects will need to be addressed.
The 2024 NFL draft doesn't feature a great tight-end class, but there are some options that could help the Broncos. Let's examine two prospects who could fit in Denver and answer which would be best.
Theo Johnson | Penn State
Nov 24, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions tight end Theo Johnson (84) scores a touchdown against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
© David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 6-foot-6
- Weight: 259 pounds
- Arm Length: 33 inches
- Hands: 10-1/4 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 9.99
Pros
Johnson is a great athlete with a prototypical size for the NFL. He has a good build on his frame and still has room to add a little more bulk.
Johnson has the desired attitude and willingness to do the work regarding blocking. He isn't afraid to get his hands dirty when called upon. There is good strength in getting defenders on their heels and generating some movement.
His route running is solid for a tight end, and Johnson knows how to use positioning in his routes to create leverage against the defender. He was reliable in contested-catch situations, hauling in 66.7% of such targets in his career.
There are great flashes as a receiver to be a threat, and Johnson has the versatility to create mismatches at the NFL level. The traits and size are the most enticing aspects of his game.
Cons
Johnson has no consistency as a receiver or as a blocker. The technique as a blocker isn't there, so while he has the strength to generate some movement, he struggles to sustain it.
Johnson's hand placement is everywhere when he works as a blocker laterally. He will struggle to land his strikes and, at times, outpace the rest of the blockers, leaving a hole to the ball carrier. He must also play with proper bend as a blocker to help his leverage.
As for his receiving ability, Johnson isn't overly dynamic after the catch. While he can create mismatches at the NFL level, he isn't a true mismatch maker. There are also issues with finding the soft spots in zone coverage, and he will often run into the teeth of the defense.
Having all of the tools and traits makes Johnson a tough projection because of the development he needs. He got by with some technical issues in college, which won't be the case in the NFL.
Fit With Broncos
The Broncos need to boost their production from the position, and Johnson could help. There are some good traits to work with as a receiver, but the blocking issues could see the Broncos go elsewhere.
Another problem with the fit is that Johnson may take longer to develop than the Broncos are willing to deal with in their current situation.
Big Board Position: No. 77 overall.
Cade Stover | Ohio State
Nov. 25, 2023; Ann Arbor, Mi., USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Cade Stover (8) is tackled by University of Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) during the first half of Saturday s NCAA Division I football game at Michigan Stadium.
© Barbara J. Perenic/Columbus Dispatch / USA TODAY NETWORK
- Height: 6-foot-4
- Weight: 247 pounds
- Arm Length: 32-3/4 inches
- Hands: 9-3/4 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 8.40
Pros
Stover finds the opening on coverage well and sits for the ball. He has solid nuance as a route runner for a tight end and knows how to use his positioning to leverage defenders. His hands are reliable, and he knows how to use his body to protect the catch point in contested situations.
While he isn't overly dynamic after the catch, Stover can pick up some extra yards. He will also make himself hard to bring down by quickly transitioning to a physical runner.
Stover's athleticism is easy to see as a receiver, but it also shows up in his blocking. He has good quickness to flow with outside runs but doesn't outpace the rest of the blockers. There is a good understanding of where his landmarks are as a blocker, and he hits them well with timing.
Cons
As a blocker, Stover must add some extra power to his game. While he blocks well on the move, he struggles to hold up when working head-on with defenders. The demeanor and attitude of a blocker aren't what NFL teams typically look for, and he struggles to sustain blocks.
When running routes, Stover can be a little obvious to defenders and will round his breaks, leaving an opening for routes to be jumped. The route tree may also be more limited early on to short and intermediate routes as he works on improving the deeper routes.
Fit With Broncos
Stover would be a good fit for the Broncos. There's enough to work as a receiver, which is where the Broncos need the most help.
Stover could also help the Broncos with his blocking, though he's a receiver first and foremost, with most of his issues coming as a run blocker.
Big Board Position: No. 104 overall.
Better Fit for Broncos
While both tight ends can help the Broncos, Stover is the better fit. While he isn't the blocker who could replace what Denver lost by releasing Chris Manhertz, he could be functional. The Broncos' most significant improvement area is the receiving ability from the tight end position.
Johnson has a good upside, but his timeline with the needed development may not match what the Broncos need. Stover is a better fit for that timeline and offers more as a blocker than Johnson.
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