Denver Broncos: Tight ends to consider early in the 2019 Draft

3 of 5

LINCOLN, NE – NOVEMBER 24: Tight end Noah Fant #87 of the Iowa Hawkeyes signals against the Nebraska Cornhuskers at Memorial Stadium on November 24, 2017 in Lincoln, Nebraska. (Photo by Steven Branscombe/Getty Images) /

2. Noah Fant, Iowa Hawkeyes

The Iowa Hawkeyes knew they had something special on their hands this past year with both TJ Hockenson and Noah Fant on the roster, but I don’t know that anyone could have anticipated they would have two guys who are first-round players in the same draft class.

It’s possible these two Hawkeyes will end up being top 20 picks.

Fant finished his college career at Iowa with 78 receptions for 1,083 yards (13.9 per catch), and 19 touchdowns.

He showed, especially in 2017, that he is a dangerous threat after the catch. Here are his Scouting Combine measurements:

Height: 6-4 1/8
Weight: 249
Hand: 9 6/8
Wingspan: 80
40-yard dash: 4.50

Fant is a burner, as evidenced by his blazing 4.50 in the 40-yard dash. At his height and weight, that time is almost unparalleled.

That number confirms the rare type of explosiveness and athleticism Fant has, and you can’t tell me the Broncos would turn their nose at those qualities.

With Courtland Sutton, DaeSean Hamilton, Phillip Lindsay, and a number of other young playmakers already in place, the Broncos could add Fant as yet another explosive downfield and YAC type of player, but they might consider trading off of the 10th pick to do it.

Unlike his teammate Hockenson, Fant is not as polished of a blocker and is more of a big wide receiver. He’s not Devin Funchess by any means, maybe more Travis Kelce, but his strength is catching passes and making plays after the catch.

Home/Broncos Draft