Why the Broncos drafted TE Justin Joly

RALEIGH, NORTH CAROLINA - NOVEMBER 21: Justin Joly #7 of the NC State Wolfpack catches a touchdown pass over Shamar Arnoux #15 of the Florida State Seminoles during the second half of a football game at Carter-Finley Stadium on November 21, 2025 in Raleigh, North Carolina. (Photo by David Jensen/Getty Images) | Getty Images

The Denver Broncos traded up to pick 152 to select NC State tight end Justin Joly in the 5th round of the 2026 NFL Draft. We all expected the Broncos to draft a tight end, and they moved up to make sure they could get the falling Justin Joly.

Joly is a 6-3, 245-pound tight end with 32 3/4 inch arms and 10 5/8 inch hands and profiles as a contested catch move tight end who will be a weapon in the middle of the field and in the red zone.

The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Justin Joly as his TE5 in this draft and had a 3rd/4th round grade on him. Now, the Broncos trade up to get him in the 5th round. Brugler calls Joly a versatile pass catcher, and due to his athleticism, ball skills, and upside, he profiles as a three-level threat.

Joly is a good-sized athlete who can drop his weight at the top of routes and uncover with foot quicks and savvy. He has large, strong hands and has developed into a ball winner with his ability to frame the catch and finish, regardless of his surroundings. He competes as a blocker and has the coordination to stay attached but lacks the body power to dominate the point of attack. Joly is a versatile pass catcher, because of his athleticism, ball skills and upside as a three-level threat. Built in the mold of , he is more Robin than Batman and ideally suited as a “move” tight end in a 12-personnel offense.