Predominantly Orange
FanSided

Denver Broncos: Identifying the team’s top roster weaknesses so far

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 01: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos celebrates a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos pushes through cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs after a catch in the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos pushes through cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs after a catch in the first half at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Tight End

On a scale of 1/10, I would rate the Broncos’ tight end position about a four or five right now.

That’s probably higher than a lot of people, but I will explain why.

The first reason I like the Broncos’ tight end position a little bit more than others probably do? Jeff Heuerman. Heuerman has been injured a lot in his first four years in the NFL, but since the end of the 2017 season through the start of the 2018 season, he’s actually been quite good.

Heuerman has always been a really solid run blocker, but he’s been underrated as a receiver. In a limited sample size, Heuerman has 27 career receptions, 16 of which have gone for first downs. It doesn’t feel like much, but he’s already matched his career high of nine receptions in a season so far in 2018, and he’s now going to be the primary receiver at tight end with Jake Butt out for the season.

He’s proven in the past that he can be a beast after the catch, but we haven’t seen a high number of reps.

Solution: Re-sign Heuerman, draft one more

This season, we should get our clearest look at Heuerman, who will be a free agent at season’s end. The Broncos should try to re-sign him.

In addition to Heuerman hopefully coming back, the Broncos will get Butt and 2018 draft pick Troy Fumagalli off injured reserve. They should have all three of those guys back, and hopefully, have a better idea of what Matt LaCosse brings to the table by the time the offseason rolls around as well.

If LaCosse doesn’t have it, the Broncos need to find a player they can move around the offense as a receiver in the NFL Draft. There will be some fun players in 2019 including potentially Iowa’s Noah Fant.

If the Broncos are unable to bring Heuerman back, they will likely need to target a tight end in the top three rounds of 2019.

Home/Broncos News