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Denver Broncos 2018 Training Camp Profile: Austin Traylor

By Tylor Walden

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Tight end Austin Traylor #86 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Tight end Austin Traylor #86 of the Denver Broncos runs after a catch against the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos are looking to utilize the tight end position in 2018. Could Austin Traylor make the next step and play a part in the offense?

The NFL has focused quite a bit on offense, especially the passing game. For tight ends, they are utilized to either block or catch passes. A successful offense has a well rounded tight end that can get the job done in both regards. Broncos Country got to see a little bit of Austin Traylor do that in the 2017 season.

His numbers might not have been impressive. In seven games (three starts), he recorded eight catches for 100 yards. He did spend most of the season on the practice squad after bouncing around four teams in his first season. The Broncos decided to give him a shot in mid-November.

Now without Virgil Green, the tight end position becomes very intriguing for the Broncos. Jake Butt is coming off a “redshirt season” as he missed his rookie year due to ACL recovery. Jeff Heuerman has not made that jump to become a reliable starter. And Troy Fumagalli will be entering his rookie campaign.

His abilities as a blocking tight end will be helpful with young guys at the running back position and protecting new quarterback Case Keenum. But Traylor has shown that he can catch the football too. Perhaps as a goal line or short yardage guy.

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I believe he will have an impact on the final roster. He showed a lot of promise in his limited action last season. I believe he will be competing for the backup tight end job. We could also see Traylor in two tight end situations.

I believe he could be a dark horse candidate to be one of the bigger play makers for the Broncos. We might not hear his name called often, but he could surprise.

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