Jeff Heuerman: Tight ends getting a lot of work in with Case Keenum

Jeff Heuerman spoke to the media on Tuesday, and talked about his excitement for OTAs and working with Case Keenum, building chemistry for 2018…

When the Denver Broncos drafted former Ohio State tight end Jeff Heuerman in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft, they expected an instant impact.

Unfortunately, Heuerman suffered an ACL injury at his rookie minicamp that kept him out all of 2015 when the Broncos won the Super Bowl, and in 2016, he struggled to carve out a consistent role in the offense.

The same was true for most of 2017, though Heuerman finally showed us a glimpse of what he can be if utilized properly against the Indianapolis Colts in a Thursday night blowout of the Indianapolis Colts.

Heuerman’s other touchdown catch last season came on a pass from Trevor Siemian in a loss to the Giants, but the catch was impressive nonetheless…

Already entering his fourth year in the NFL, Heuerman has yet to find any sort of consistency as a receiver and some feel he’s battling for his roster spot.

I do not think that is the case, as Heuerman has proven himself to be a good blocking tight end and is, at this point, the Broncos’ most experienced player at the position.

Speaking to the media on Tuesday, Heuerman talked about having consistency at quarterback, and getting in work with Case Keenum this offseason:

"“I think we’re going to be a good group. We’re working a lot with Case and hopefully, we can build a good connection there…I think just getting into a rhythm and getting into a groove. You were talking about playing with three different quarterbacks and going week to week last year. It’s kind of tough sometimes getting into a rhythm and getting into the groove of things. Hopefully, with Case we can get into a good rhythm and build on that week to week. Hopefully, it will take us deep.”Jeff Heuerman (quotes via Broncos PR)"

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The optimist in me wants to believe that Heuerman can turn a corner in 2018. He has every trait you would want in a young tight end, including size, speed, and the ability to play in-line or split out.

The one factor working against Heuerman is availability. The Broncos need to be able to depend on him, and up to this point, he has yet to play a full 16 game slate in the NFL.

Based on some of the plays he made in 2017, it would be great to see the Broncos feature Heuerman in the offense a little bit more, especially when they get in the red zone, but he will have plenty of competition from Jake Butt, Austin Traylor, and Troy Fumagalli among others.

This is a contract year for Heuerman, so he’s playing not just for his job with the Broncos but potentially a second contract elsewhere in the league.