Denver Broncos roster overview: Tight end position

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 1: Tight end Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by cornerback Kendall Fuller #23 of the Kansas City Chiefs in the first quarter of a game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on October 1, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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Noah Fant
IOWA CITY, IOWA- SEPTEMBER 15: Tight end Noah Fant #87of the Iowa Hawkeyes runs in for a touchdown during the first half against the Northern Iowa Panthers on September 15, 2018 at Kinnick Stadium, in Iowa City, Iowa. (Photo by Matthew Holst/Getty Images)

Noah Fant

Age: 21
2019 salary cap hit: $2,289,222
Years under contract: 4 (with 5th-year team option)

The Broncos’ first round pick in 2019 and youngest tight end is also their most talented player at the position.

With 18 touchdowns over the past two seasons at Iowa, Noah Fant proved he’s a versatile threat who can kill you between the 20s as well as (and especially) in the red zone.

Fant was a red zone monster for the Iowa Hawkeyes, and I don’t just say that because I watched him play the last three years.

Fant caught 19 touchdowns at Iowa in total. Of those 19 touchdowns, 13 were at or inside the opponent’s 20-yard line.

Red zone monster.

Fant is also especially gifted in the speed department. He ran a 4.51 at nearly 250 pounds.

Athletically, he profiles very similarly to another former Iowa tight end, George Kittle.

https://twitter.com/nflnetwork/status/1114574057297432577

That bodes well because Kittle has excelled in Kyle Shanahan’s offense with the 49ers, an offense (or iteration of it) that is now making its way to Denver with new offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello.

Fant needs to prove he can be more of a weapon and more elusive after the catch, but all of the tools are there for this guy to be a superstar in the league.

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