Broncos failed to address biggest pre-draft need amid Evan Engram question

TL;DR

The Denver Broncos did not sufficiently address their tight end needs during the 2026 NFL Draft, despite selecting two tight ends. This raises concerns about their roster depth at the position, particularly with Evan Engram leading the group.

Key points

Broncos traded their first-round pick to the Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle
Team selected two tight ends in the 2026 NFL Draft
Concerns remain about the adequacy of the tight end position

Denver BroncosMiami DolphinsJaylen WaddleEvan Engram

Broncos failed to address biggest pre-draft need amid Evan Engram question originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Denver Broncos entered the 2026 NFL Draft without their first-round pick, as they traded it to the Miami Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle.

After adding such a talented offensive playmaker, it wouldn't be a surprise if the Broncos felt confident in their roster. But, there was one major issue the team needed to address: the tight end room led by Evan Engram.

ESPN's Jeff Legwold pointed out post-draft that the Broncos, despite taking two tight ends, failed to address the tight end need adequately.

Broncos failed to adequately address TE need in NFL Draft

"Did the Broncos add enough at tight end?" Legwold writes. "...But the glaring predraft need for this team was at tight end."

Denver's biggest question coming out of the draft is their tight end room, and if they did enough to address the concerns from a group headlined by Engram in 2025.

Justin Joly was the first tight end the Broncos took, and he's an intriguing receiving option, but he was a fifth-round pick and far from a certain prospect.

Dallen Bentley, taken one pick before "Mister Irrelevant" was also taken by the Broncos, is more of a blocking tight end. He's a solid depth option, but Denver already has a few of those players.

More: Broncos considering major position switch for third-year player in 2026

Q&A

Why did the Broncos fail to address their tight end needs in the 2026 NFL Draft?

The Broncos selected two tight ends but did not adequately fill the tight end position, which was a significant pre-draft need.

Who is Evan Engram and what is his role with the Broncos?

Evan Engram is the leading tight end for the Broncos, but concerns remain about the team's depth at the position after the draft.

What impact does trading their first-round pick have on the Broncos' draft strategy?

By trading their first-round pick to the Miami Dolphins for Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos may have limited their ability to address key roster needs in the draft.