Evan Engram signed a two-year deal worth $23 million (with $16.5 million guaranteed) with the Denver Broncos during free agency. While he fills the team’s immediate need for a receiving tight end, Michigan’s Colston Loveland could be a long-term solution in the 2025 NFL Draft.
However, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski suggests the Broncos might be better off exploring other options at tight end—assuming they decide to draft one at all.
In fact, Sobleski views Loveland as a player Denver should steer clear of.
Colston Loveland had some memorable touchdowns with the Wolverines 〽️
Take a look back at all 11 from his three seasons with @umichfootball 👇#TBT x #B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/6Gw3mNOjZ8
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 17, 2025
“The Broncos don’t need to force the pick,” Sobleski wrote on April 20. “Colston Loveland is the most well-rounded tight end in this class, but he underwent shoulder surgery this offseason. He also may not fit the mold of what Sean Payton typically looks for in an offensive weapon. While Penn State’s Tyler Warren isn’t as strong in-line as Loveland, his versatility in alignment and pass-catching gives him an edge.”
Sobleski adds that Denver might find greater impact at other positions like wide receiver or running back in the first round of this year’s draft.
That said, Loveland might be more suited to Payton’s “Joker” role than he’s being credited for. Dane Brugler of The Athletic ranked Loveland as the second-best tight end and the No. 11 overall prospect in the class.
“Loveland was a versatile weapon last season,” Brugler wrote on April 9. “He primarily lined up in the slot (47.6%) and also played inline or at wing (32.5%). He can line up all over the field and be a reliable, multi-level receiving threat. While not a dominant blocker, he’s not a liability either—though he’ll have trouble controlling top NFL edge rushers.”
“His fluid movement, dependable hands, and football instincts make him a top-tier target in any offense. His skill set and potential are similar to Zach Ertz.”
The Broncos haven’t drafted a tight end in the first round since 2019, when they selected Noah Fant. Fant was later traded to the Seahawks in the Russell Wilson deal. Denver released Wilson in 2024, absorbing a record-breaking $85 million in dead cap.
Perfect ‘Joker’ Option Could Fall to Broncos
The Broncos stand to gain if Sobleski’s scenario comes true, with Warren appearing to be a more suitable fit than Loveland.
“Warren was frequently given designed touches and lined up all over the field — inline, in the slot, out wide, and even in the backfield,” Brugler noted. “He also logged 40 wildcat snaps in short-yardage or goal-line situations during the 2024 season.”
"Tyler Warren can DO IT ALL!" 🗣️
We're taking a look back at some highlights from his record-breaking regular season with @PennStateFball 👇#B1GFootball pic.twitter.com/lF8ceI88yZ
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) April 2, 2025
Brugler highlighted Warren’s athleticism, noting, “He has quick feet, smooth movement, and natural balance, which allow him to seamlessly shift from catching to running and become a real threat after the catch. He developed more confidence in his hands as a senior, showing an ability to make catches in tight coverage with just three drops on 135 targets in 2024. Though he blocks with intensity, he struggles with maintaining blocks and needs better positioning and footwork on contact.”
Brugler added, “He’s a nimble big man who tracks the ball well and has reliable hands, with a strong drive to gain yards after the catch. He looks like an NFL-ready starter with traditional traits and the versatility to be a dynamic weapon in various schemes.”
If Warren is available when the Broncos are on the clock, they could add him to their roster without needing him to be the focal point right away, especially with Courtland Sutton still in the mix. He could be the versatile piece that completes their offensive puzzle.
Broncos Can Go TE-RB in 2025 Draft
The Broncos have shown faith in their young wide receivers, which may reduce the urgency to use a high draft pick on another one. Meanwhile, Sutton is entering the final year of his four-year, $60 million contract and is looking for an extension.
Evan Engram has signed with the Denver Broncos
WHAT AN ANNOUNCEMENT BY HIM #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/lSpptBLi9g
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 14, 2025
Engram is expected to be a key contributor on offense, but his significant injury history might prompt the team to consider drafting a tight end as insurance.
This year’s draft class also features strong depth at the running back position.
Taking Loveland or Warren in the first round could be a smart move for Denver, allowing them to circle back and target a running back with the No. 51 pick in the second round.
Be the first to comment