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Does Bo Nix have enough quality passing targets? | Broncos position analysis: WRs/TEs

The Denver Gazette examines each Broncos position group before the start of training camp later this month. Next up: Wide receivers and tight ends.

Projected starters

—WR Courtland Sutton

—WR Marvin Mims Jr.

—WR Devaughn Vele

—TE Evan Engram

Projected backups

—WR Troy Franklin

—WR Pat Bryant

—WR Trent Sherfield Sr.

—TE Adam Trautman

—TE Lucas Krull

—TE Caleb Lohner

Bo Nix enters Year 2 as proven leader | Broncos position analysis: Quarterbacks

Roster hopefuls

—WR A.T. Perry

—WR Michael Bandy

—WR Jerjuan Newton

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—WR Joaquin Davis

—WR Courtney Jackson

—WR Kyrese White

—TE Nate Adkins

—TE Caden Prieskorn

Broncos lead NFL with highest percentage of returning players in 2025

Elephant in the room: Is the tight end problem finally solved?

The Broncos whiffed on consecutive tight end draft picks. Noah Fant (first round, 2019) played three seasons before getting traded to the Seahawks. Denver also waived Greg Dulcich (third round, 2022) in November last season. Go all the way back to 2013 for the last time a Broncos tight end eclipsed 700 yards receiving — Julius Thomas, 788.

Engram provides new hope.

The ninth-year pro, when healthy, is a Pro Bowl caliber tight end. Engram is two seasons removed from his career-best performance in Jacksonville with 143 catches for 963 yards receiving. He accounted for 25 touchdown receptions over eight seasons. But he needs to stay on the field.

Engram missed eight games last season due to hamstring and shoulder injuries. He’ll be 31 years old in September. Engram suffered a foot sprain in 2019 that landed him on injured reserve. It seems durability is the biggest concern about his potential playing for the Broncos.

Biggest competition: Youth vs. experience

Give general manager George Paton credit for investing draft capital in young pass catchers for second-year quarterback Bo Nix. In 2024, the team picked Franklin (fourth round) and Vele (seventh round). They combined a year ago for 69 catches, 738 yards receiving and five touchdowns. It continued in 2025 with Bryant (third round) and Lohner (seventh round).

That youth movement should push a group of experienced returning players.

Sutton is the clear No. 1 option. The eighth-year pro eclipsed 1,000 yards receiving with eight touchdown catches last year. Sutton has been a team captain the last four seasons. But he’s also entering the final year of his contract. Mims also proved last season he was much more than just a return specialist. He logged 39 catches for 503 yards and six receiving touchdowns. Trautman was a key piece last year, too, playing 52 percent of all offensive snaps.

Ex-Broncos star Trevor Pryce thriving in second career with "Kulipari" books, video games and upcoming movie

Bottom line

Denver has ample depth, but not much star power, at wide receiver and tight end. A second year with Nix at the helm inspires confidence that Sutton can elevate into legit Top-10 wideout in the NFL. Engram also has the chance to rejuvenate his career. Coach Sean Payton has plenty of tools to make this Denver passing offense dangerous in 2025.

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