Predominantly Orange
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Denver Broncos: Tight end position preview and season outlook

By Sayre Bedinger

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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EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to get around the tackle of Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans after a third quarter catch at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan won the game 32-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
EAST LANSING, MI – OCTOBER 29: Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines looks to get around the tackle of Chris Frey #23 of the Michigan State Spartans after a third quarter catch at Spartan Stadium on October 29, 2016 in East Lansing, Michigan. Michigan won the game 32-23. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Overall Thoughts

The Broncos clearly feel really good about the upside of this group, since they have a combined 30 catches between the six players on the roster.

This is a make-or-break year for Heuerman (more on that later this week). It’s a year of discovery for players like Jake Butt and Troy Fumagalli.

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Will Austin Traylor make the roster again? Will the Broncos keep more than three players at this position with their depth at wide receiver?

There could easily be a case made to keep four players at this position, but these guys have to warrant that kind of roster investment by proving it on the field.

With veterans like Marcedes Lewis off the market, I think the Broncos will keep their group as-is unless there’s some kind of injury at the position.

Otherwise, there will be three or four guys from this group that the team will take to opening day. Since Austin Traylor is a contributor on special teams and can also line up in the backfield as a fullback at times, it will be interesting to see if the Broncos’ roster decisions at other positions are affected by this particular group.

If I had to guess right now, I would say the Broncos’ opening day group at this position includes Jeff Heuerman, Jake Butt, Austin Traylor, and Troy Fumagalli. One of the other players would be a candidate for the practice squad.

I love the youth movement at tight end we’re seeing from the Broncos, but the fact that they are so unproven to this point means this will be a position group to really focus in on as OTAs and training camp progress.

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