Broncos Predicted to Use 1st Pick on 6-foot-5, 246-Pound Big Ten Star

The Athletic predicts Denver will draft Ohio State tight end Max Klare with their 2nd round pick.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 11:24am

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, with sharp planes of navy blue, orange, and white representing the Broncos' team colors and the fractured, multi-perspective style conceptually reflecting the team's search for a tight end to solidify their passing game.A cubist interpretation of a Broncos tight end making a play, reflecting the team's need to find a dynamic playmaker at the position.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are expected to use their 2nd round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft on Ohio State tight end Max Klare, a 6-foot-5, 246-pound prospect who has drawn comparisons to Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz. The Broncos struggled at the tight end position in 2025 after signing free agent Evan Engram to a $23 million contract, and they are looking to find a long-term solution at the position.

Why it matters

The Broncos' inability to find a reliable tight end in 2025 was a major factor in their AFC Championship Game loss to the Patriots. Drafting Klare could provide them with a dynamic pass-catching threat at the position to complement their talented receiving corps and help them get over the hump in the AFC.

The details

Klare was an All-Big Ten selection at Purdue in 2024 before transferring to Ohio State for his final season, where he again earned All-Big Ten honors in 2025. He is praised for his route-running ability and 'catch-to-attack mentality' that allows him to create separation. The Broncos don't have a 1st round pick in 2026 after trading it to the Dolphins for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, so they are expected to target Klare with their 2nd round selection at No. 62 overall.

  • In 2024, Klare was an All-Big Ten pick at Purdue with 51 receptions for 685 yards and 4 touchdowns.
  • In 2025, Klare repeated as an All-Big Ten selection at Ohio State with 43 receptions for 448 yards and 2 touchdowns.

The players

Max Klare

A 6-foot-5, 246-pound tight end prospect from Ohio State who has drawn comparisons to 3-time Pro Bowler Zach Ertz.

Evan Engram

A free agent tight end the Broncos signed to a 2-year, $23 million contract in 2025, but he struggled with just 50 receptions for 461 yards and 1 touchdown that season.

Jaylen Waddle

A superstar wide receiver the Broncos acquired from the Miami Dolphins in a trade, giving up their 2026 1st round pick in the process.

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What they’re saying

“(Klare) is a fluid athlete who is in a crowded group of tight ends following (projected) first-round pick Kenyon Sadiq.”

— Zach Berman, Writer

“Max Klare is an explosive presence who uses route nuance and a great catch-to-attack mentality to create space for himself.”

— Daniel Harms, Writer

“Sean Payton clamored about wanting a 'joker' for his offense, which seemed to be Engram. However, Engram didn't offer reliable contributions with a 57.6 PFF receiving grade and a 7.0% drop rate. Now, Denver will presumably go back to the well as it searches for a playmaking tight end.”

— Bradley Locker, Writer

What’s next

The Broncos will have to decide whether to keep Evan Engram on the roster or try to trade him this offseason, as he is owed $11.5 million in 2026 with $5 million fully guaranteed.

The takeaway

The Broncos' struggles at tight end in 2025 exposed a major weakness in their offense, and drafting a talented prospect like Max Klare could help them solidify the position and take their passing attack to the next level as they look to make a deep playoff run.