Denver Broncos training camp battle 2019: Tight ends

DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for tight end Jake Butt #80 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - SEPTEMBER 16: Defensive back Rashaan Melvin #22 of the Oakland Raiders intercepts a pass intended for tight end Jake Butt #80 of the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on September 16, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Jeff Heuerman #82 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Who will be the starter?

Prediction: Jeff Heuerman

One of the only battles for a starting position on the Broncos’ offense or defense heading into training camp is at the tight end position.

The odds-on favorite at this point has to be veteran Jeff Heuerman, who was re-signed to a two-year contract this offseason.

Heuerman is fresh off of a career-high with 31 catches in 2018 and is already an established blocker at this level. He doesn’t get enough credit for his athleticism, either. Heuerman is a talented player and was playing very solid football for the Broncos before his unfortunate injury last year.

The Broncos are going to be looking to establish a strong running game with Royce Freeman and Phillip Lindsay, and when Heuerman is on the field, it likely means the Broncos’ best six (or seven if Andy Janovich is on the field) run blockers are on the field.

Heuerman is going to have significant competition from the three guys who will likely open training camp behind him — Fant, Butt, and Fumagalli — but he has to be the favorite to start at this point.

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