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2026 draft results: Early grade on new Broncos TE Justin Joly
TL;DR
The Denver Broncos selected tight end Justin Joly from NC State with the 152nd overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft. Joly is known for his receiving skills but needs to improve his blocking to make an impact in his rookie season.
Key points
- Denver Broncos selected Justin Joly in the fifth round of the NFL draft
- Joly is 6-3 and weighs 241 pounds
- He caught 166 passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns in college
- Joly is known for his receiving skills but struggles with blocking
- His development as a blocker will be crucial for his rookie season
Mentioned in this story
NC StateUConnDavis WebbSean Payton
Denver BroncosJustin Joly
The Denver Broncos selected North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the NFL draft on Saturday afternoon.
Joly (6-3, 241 pounds) brings a wide receiver mindset to the tight end position. Joly caught 166 passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns in four years at both UConn (2022-23) and NC State (2024-25). Although he has struggled as a blocker, Joly is a reliable receiver, dropping only one of 50 passes in 2025.
Joly had a top 30 visit with the Broncos before the 2026 NFL draft, where offensive coordinator Davis Webb and head coach Sean Payton told him he'd become a "Swiss army knife," per the Denver Post's Luca Evans.
Joly's selection deepens the bond between Payton and versatility. Joly's development as a blocker will be a closely-watched topic during training camp, and likely dictate his ability to get on the field in year one.
Broncos Wire initial grade: B
Tight end was a position room Denver largely kept the same from 2025. The pick for Joly may also signal the beginning of the end for 2025 seventh-round pick Caleb Lohner, who spent the year on the practice squad. Joly is a look to the future for an already strong team in 2026. Joly also said in a post-pick call he when (quarterback ) needs him.
Q&A
What are Justin Joly's college statistics?
Justin Joly caught 166 passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns during his college career at UConn and NC State.
How did the Broncos view Justin Joly before the draft?
The Broncos had a top 30 visit with Joly, where coaches described him as a 'Swiss army knife' for his versatility.
What challenges does Justin Joly face as a rookie tight end?
Joly needs to improve his blocking skills to secure playing time in his first year with the Broncos.
