Broncos Scouting Combine 2022: First Day Impressions

Denver Broncos 2022 Scouting Combine notebook

1. There’s more talent at the tight end position than thought

The first group of the night was the tight ends, and they did not disappoint.

Out of the entire class, there are about seven tight ends that boosted their draft stock during the combine.

The surprising thing that came off of the bat was how fast these tight ends are. There were several players that ran a sub 4.7 40-yard dash. There was also one player, Chigoziem Okonkwo, that ran a sub 4.6 40-yard dash.

Okonkwo posted a 4.54 on his first run and officially came in at 4.52. His gauntlet run also showed that he has solid hands and he can come through as a mid-to-late round selection.

There were also several tight ends that produced extremely well-balanced days and may have boosted their stock to as high as the second round.

One prime example of this happening is Trey McBride of Colorado State. McBride is one of those tight ends that while he may not be the fastest on the field, he’s the one that will give you the most versatility.

The FBS standout did not run the 40-yard dash. However, he did participate in every other workout. While primarily a blocker, McBride showcased some of the best coordination, moving through the gauntlet quickly and efficiently.

McBride also showed his ability to run several routes, including comebacks and toe-tappers.

This class is certainly one of the most talented in recent years, and there’s a chance one of them goes in the ladder half of the first round.

Could the Broncos use one of these guys in their system? While unlikely, it’s possible George Paton could take a flyer at the end of the draft process. Depth at the tight end position has always been something Denver has utilized, and with Hackett now as Head Coach, it makes even more sense.

Other popular names to mention include Greg Dulcich, Connor Hayward, and Jelani Woods (a quarterback turned tight end).