Denver Broncos: Tight end position preview and season outlook

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 14: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch and runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - DECEMBER 14: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos makes a catch and runs for a touchdown against the Indianapolis Colts during the second half at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 14, 2017 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
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Jake Butt
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 26: Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines looks on against the Brigham Young Cougars at Michigan Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines defeated the Cougars 31-0. (Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

Jake Butt

6’6″ 258 pounds (22 years old)

The Broncos gave Jake Butt a redshirt in 2017 despite trying to get him back on the field for at least part of his rookie season.

The former All-American out of Michigan tore his ACL in a bowl game against Florida State, proving why many college stars are sitting out their teams’ respective bowl games.

Regardless of his NFL future, that probably wouldn’t have been an option for Butt, who was willing to lay it all on the line for his teammates.

Over the course of the past year, Butt has done a lot of learning off the field and so far at Broncos OTAs in 2018, he’s turning heads with his playmaking ability, catch radius, and improved strength.

There’s some mystique with Butt but there’s also more substance than just style.

While Butt is getting photographed at practice making leaping or one-handed catches, he’s a consistent threat in the passing game whether it’s downfield vertically, playing from the slot, moving the chains on third down, or cashing in when the team gets into red zone work.

At full strength, there’s no denying Butt’s talent. He’s got the potential to be one of the best young tight ends in the game, and he’ll likely be a featured option in the Broncos’ passing game in 2018.

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