Denver Broncos tight end preview: Who will break out in 2017?

Jeff Heuerman had a disappointing start to his NFL career, missing his entire rookie season due to a torn ACL suffered in his first rookie minicamp. That year spent in rehab was not all bad for Heuerman, though. He was fresh off of a National Championship at Ohio State and transitioned immediately to winning a Super Bowl in his first year with the Broncos.

The expectations for Heuerman were high due to the fact that he was a third round draft pick, but as of last year, it would have been unfair to expect anything but a bit of rust.

In what essentially amounted to a rookie season, Heuerman was effective in very limited reps as a receiver, and should figure more into the equation now in his third year with the team.

It’s unfortunate he hasn’t been able to get off to a quicker start, but there’s no better time than now for him to step up.

Heuerman has prototypical size for a tight end, and he has decent straight line speed. He’s more of a long-strider, and doesn’t really have a ton of short area quickness, which isn’t a surprise for a player of his size.

He’s got strong hands and the ability to make big plays down the middle of the field. Heuerman has shown excellent natural athleticism and can provide a quarterback with a very broad catch radius thanks to his long arms and leaping ability.

In the competition at tight end, this is a player to definitely keep an eye on.