ESPN Report: Denver Broncos Announce Signing of Experienced Star Tight End
The Denver Broncos addressed their tight end position for the short term by signing Evan Engram to a two-year, $23 million deal on March 12.
ESPN analysts Mel Kiper Jr. and Field Yates suggest that the Broncos may look to secure the position for the long term during the 2025 NFL draft. They predict Denver will select LSU tight end Mason Taylor in the second round (No. 51 overall).
“Denver’s acquisition of Evan Engram this offseason could be a great boost for the tight end group, and adding Taylor could elevate it even further,” Yates wrote on April 15. “Taylor is a skilled pass catcher, and he also excels as a blocker.”
Taylor, the son of Hall of Fame defensive end Jason Taylor and nephew of Hall of Fame linebacker Zach Thomas, is one of the youngest prospects in the draft, not turning 21 until after the event.
Taylor Showed Strong Potential at LS
Though Taylor is a more traditional tight end compared to the versatile Engram, his fit in any offense is undeniable. At 6-foot-5 and 250 pounds, Taylor had a standout 2024 season, posting career-highs with 55 receptions and 546 yards. Over his career, he totaled 128 catches for 1,308 yards and 6 touchdowns, setting LSU’s tight end records for both receptions and yards.
NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein likened Taylor to Philadelphia Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert, a Super Bowl champion, in his evaluation.
“Taylor is an emerging tight end with great receiving ability and impressive pedigree,” Zierlein said. “With only three seasons under his belt, he’s expected to grow further, both in skill and physique. He’s an agile athlete with solid acceleration and the potential to refine his route running. While he still needs development, Taylor has the tools to become a more prominent target for a team looking to improve its tight end play.”
Broncos Tight End Group Struggled in 2024
The Broncos’ tight ends were a major liability in 2024, with a rotating group of Adam Trautman, Lucas Krull, and Nate Adkins combining for just 46 receptions, 455 yards, and 5 touchdowns.
In comparison, Kansas City’s Travis Kelce recorded 97 receptions, 823 yards, and 3 touchdowns, while Las Vegas’ Brock Bowers set rookie records with 112 receptions, 1,194 yards, and 5 touchdowns. Even Los Angeles Chargers’ Will Dissly posted better numbers with 50 catches, 481 yards, and 2 touchdowns.
The Broncos haven’t had a tight end make the Pro Bowl since Julius Thomas in 2014, and haven’t seen one earn All-Pro honors since Hall of Famer Shannon Sharpe did so multiple times in the 1990s.
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