Broncos' Day 3 draft pick predicted to make immediate offensive impact

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The Denver Broncos once had a glaring hole at the tight end position and heading into the 2026 season, it may have been transformed into one of the team's biggest strengths.

Following the 2025 season, the Broncos were left with several questions at the tight end spot following a lackluster season from high-profile signing Evan Engram. But the team didn't waver, handing out new contracts to Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins and Lucas Krull.

Then on Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft, they selected Justin Joly out of North Carolina State in the fifth round and then grabbed Utah's Dallen Bentley with the second-to-last pick in the draft, a selection many feel could provide great value. However, it's Joly who ESPN's Field Yates feels has the chance to be one of the most impactful Day 3 picks in the league this season.

"Sean Payton-coached teams have long emphasized having a "Joker" -- a running back or tight end who creates mismatches in the passing game. The Broncos signed Evan Engram last offseason to fill that role, but his numbers (50 catches, 461 yards, one touchdown) were modest.

Joly is a nimble, talented pass catcher who specializes in making catches outside his strike zone. He averaged more than 6 yards after the catch per reception his first three college seasons and didn't have a drop in 2025", wrote Yates.

Justin Joly should get chance to shine for Broncos as a rookie

With guys like Trautman and Adkins used more for their ability as blockers than options in the passing game, there will be a wide-open spot for a tight end to become a second option through the air behind Engram. Joly has the ability to be that player.

After beginning his college career at Connecticut, Joly transferred to North Carolina State, where he found the end zone 11 times in two seasons for the Wolfpack. Across his college career, he caught 166 passes for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns.

— The Sporting News (@sportingnews) October 25, 2025

Joly shows the ability to make catches more like a wide receiver than a big, lumbering tight end. He is adept at finding the soft spot in the defense and getting open, an overlooked trait that makes players like Travis Kelce so effective. The Broncos may have found a true gem with this pick, and Broncos Country is going to like him a lot.

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