Let's talk about the Denver Broncos and their tight end room, a position group that has been a bit of a headache for the team over the past couple of years. The Broncos have been trying to address this weakness, but it seems like they've created a bit of a logjam in the process.
One of their recent draft picks, Dallen Bentley, has caught the eye of some experts, including ESPN's Field Yates, who listed him as one of his favorite seventh-round picks this year. But is Bentley the answer to the Broncos' tight end woes? Personally, I think there's more to this story than meets the eye.
Bentley, a long tight end with strong hands and good run-after-catch ability, certainly has some intriguing traits. However, he might not be the 'joker' weapon that the Broncos are looking for. His lack of explosive traits suggests he won't be a true mismatch threat.
What makes Bentley stand out to me is his potential as an in-line tight end, a role that head coach Sean Payton seems to envision for him. Payton likes Bentley's ability to run routes downfield and catch linebackers off guard. This could be a unique skill set that the Broncos can utilize, especially with his size and willingness to improve.
However, Bentley faces stiff competition from other tight ends on the roster, including the returning Caleb Lohner, who has shown significant progress since joining the team last year. Lohner, a former basketball player, has impressed with his athletic traits and seems to have caught the eye of the coaching staff.
The emergence of Lohner, along with the re-signing of veterans like Evan Engram and Adam Trautman, creates a crowded tight end room. It's a good problem to have, as it fosters competition, but it also means some tough decisions will need to be made.
One thing that immediately stands out to me is the potential for Bentley to be a late bloomer. At 25 years old, he's already older than most rookies, and it might take some time for him to find his role within the team. This could be a challenge, especially with the Broncos' high expectations and Super Bowl ambitions.
In my opinion, the Broncos' tight end situation is an intriguing one. While Bentley might not be the instant star some fans hope for, his unique skill set and potential could pay dividends in the long run. It will be fascinating to see how this position group develops and how Bentley fits into the puzzle.
As we look ahead to the upcoming season, the tight end competition will be one to watch. Will Bentley surprise and secure a roster spot? Or will the Broncos' tight end room continue to evolve and adapt? Only time will tell, but one thing is certain: the Broncos are taking steps to strengthen this position, and that's a positive sign for their future.
