Finding Broncos: 2 TEs to Add Dynamic Receiving Threat

The Broncos need a dynamic receiving tight end, and these two tight ends can be exactly that.

Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) runs after a catch during the third quarter as Auburn / Jake Crandall / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Denver Broncos need a difference-maker at the tight end position. Adam Trautman doesn’t cut it, and Greg Dulcich can’t stay on the field. This isn’t a great class to get help at the position, but these two tight ends are at the top. 

Dec 2, 2023; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs tight end Brock Bowers (19) cannot make a catch / Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Brock Bowers | Georgia

• Height: 6-foot-3
• Weight: 243 pounds
• Arm Length: 32-3/4 inches
• Hands: 9-3/4 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A

Pros

Bowers is not just a good athlete; he's a potential game-changer. His versatility as a pass catcher is a breath of fresh air for the Broncos. No matter where he's positioned on offense, he can make an impact at every level of the field. He gets to his top speed quickly, with a quick acceleration. 

He is controlled in and out of breaks, which helps him get instant separation with good burst. The footwork is clean and consistent, and his route running is nuanced. One of the best things about Bowers is his route-running, which is better than multiple receivers who have entered the NFL over recent years. 

Bowers is hard to cover in man coverage, and he knows how to find the soft spot in zone coverage. His play speed is top-notch and consistent and will see him outpace linebackers and most safeties in coverage. His hands are clean and natural, and they will pluck the ball out of the air. 

There is a toughness with Bowers in handling physicality through coverage without being re-routed. Bowers is also a willing blocker in the run game, and he uses proper positioning and solid technique to win on the outside. The physicality also shows up with his play after the catch, where he finds good angles and can force some missed tackles to turn a five-yard play into a 10-yard play. 

Cons

For the 2021 and 2022 seasons, Bowers came down with 21 of 30 contested catches, but that dropped to two out of nine in 2023. He also displayed some ball security issues with both career fumbles in 2023. 

While he is a solid blocker, his strength isn’t ideal, and he can struggle to sustain blocks on the edge. There will also need to be some development, such as more consistency working underneath routes to make him a true threat at every field level. 

Fit With Broncos

Sean Payton loves having dynamic tight ends who can add another layer to his offense. Bowers could be that great piece for the Broncos' offense and give them something they are missing. He can create mismatches for the other receivers and open up much of Payton’s offense. 

Big Board Position: No. 4 overall.

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Jan 1, 2024; New Orleans, LA, USA; Texas Longhorns tight end Ja'Tavion Sanders (0) makes a catch / Matthew Hinton-USA TODAY Sports

Ja’Tavion Sanders | Texas

• Height: 6-foot-4
• Weight: 245 pounds
• Arm Length: 32-7/8 inches
• Hands: 10-1/8 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: 5.71

Pros

Sanders is a receiving weapon that can align in multiple spots on the offense. He can create mismatches against linebackers and safeties and force defenses to cover him with a corner. He is of good size, doesn’t get disrupted by physicality, and will secure catches through traffic. He saw 15 of 28 contested catches caught. 

He showed needed growth with his hands to be more reliable in 2023, going from four drops in 2022 to nine in 2023. Sanders can attack the seam, work underneath, and the intermediate area of the field. There are reliable hands, and he will pluck the ball out of the air. When he secures the catch, he quickly turns into the ball carrier and does a great job making plays after the catch. 

There is a willingness as a blocker and room on his frame for a bit more mass to help his efficiency. While the techniques are not always great or consistent, he does have good hand placement and will generate leverage to push defenders off the line of scrimmage. 

Cons

As mentioned, he has room on his frame for more mass, which he desperately needs to add. He will get bullied as a blocker because he doesn’t have the mass or strength to hold up consistently. If that doesn’t improve, he will be pigeon-holed as a receiving-only tight end, likely as a big slot. 

Most of his issues stem from his blocking issues, but he does have some as a receiver that needs to be cleaned up. His breaks are more rounded than crisp and create an opening for defenders to make a play on the ball.  

Fit With Broncos

While Sanders isn’t quite as dynamic as Bowers, he can still be a great fit for what Payton and the Broncos need. He is a dynamic receiving threat who can create mismatches and open up more of Payton’s playbook. 

Big Board Position: No. 46 overall.

Better Fit for Broncos

Neither of these players is a better fit for the Broncos, as they would bring the much-needed dynamic receiving ability from the position that Payton and the Broncos are severely lacking. Bowers would likely require the 12th overall pick and could realistically be the best player available. At the same time, Sanders could be had in the second round after some moving around from the Broncos.  

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