Broncos Linked to Top Tight Ends in NFL Draft After Evan Engram Letdown

Denver needs to find a starting-caliber tight end to pair with Evan Engram after his disappointing 2025 season.

Apr. 11, 2026 at 3:28pm

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A fragmented, geometric painting depicting a football player in mid-motion, their form broken down into sharp, overlapping planes of navy blue, orange, and white, capturing the dynamic energy of the sport.A cubist interpretation of a tight end making a catch, reflecting the Broncos' need to find a dynamic playmaker at the position.Denver Today

The Denver Broncos are expected to target a top tight end prospect in the 2026 NFL Draft after last season's letdown with Evan Engram. With no first or third-round picks, the Broncos will have to find their tight end of the future in the second round, with Ohio State's Max Klare and NC State's Justin Joly emerging as potential options.

Why it matters

The Broncos' tight end room was a weakness in 2025, and they need to find a long-term solution to complement Engram and provide more production in the passing game. Adding a top tight end prospect could be a key piece to help the Broncos' offense take the next step under new head coach Sean Payton.

The details

After acquiring wide receiver Jaylen Waddle in a trade with the Dolphins, the Broncos' earliest pick in the 2026 draft is the 62nd overall selection in the second round. ESPN's Jeff Legwold reports the Broncos are expected to target a tight end with that pick, with Klare and Joly as potential options after visiting the team for pre-draft workouts.

  • The Broncos traded their first and third-round picks to the Dolphins to acquire Jaylen Waddle.
  • The Broncos' earliest pick in the 2026 NFL Draft is the 62nd overall selection in the second round.

The players

Evan Engram

The Broncos' starting tight end in 2025 who failed to live up to expectations, catching 50 passes for the team.

Max Klare

An Ohio State tight end prospect who has had a top-30 pre-draft visit with the Broncos, making him a potential second-round target.

Justin Joly

A tight end prospect from NC State who has also had a top-30 pre-draft visit with the Broncos, another potential second-round option for the team.

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What they’re saying

“The Broncos have just one pick before Day 3. They need to find a starter at... Tight end. Perhaps not the starter, given coach Sean Payton's comments about liking the group with Evan Engram (50 catches last season) and Adam Trautman returning, but Denver certainly needs more impact.”

— Jeff Legwold, ESPN Reporter

What’s next

The Broncos will have to wait until the 62nd overall pick in the second round to address their tight end needs, with Klare and Joly emerging as potential options based on their pre-draft visits with the team.

The takeaway

The Broncos' tight end room was a weakness in 2025, and they need to find a long-term solution to complement Evan Engram and provide more production in the passing game. Adding a top tight end prospect in the second round of the 2026 NFL Draft could be a key piece to help the Broncos' offense take the next step under new head coach Sean Payton.