Despite optimism, Evan Engram predicted to be small part of Broncos success

Despite finding massive success and going 14-3 last season, one of the most negative aspects of the Denver Broncos' season was the play of free-agent tight end Evan Engram. 

Seen as one of the top signings of the offseason, Engram was seen as a major chess piece for Sean Payton's offense. He was the player who was going to give Denver its much-needed "Joker". That did not happen. Engram had a quiet season, disappearing in many of the team's games and finding the end zone just one time. 

As the team has held its OTAs this offseason, the reports on Engram have been highly encouraging thus far and a bounce-back year is expected by many. But don't count Moe Moton of Bleacher Report among them. 

Moton is selling the idea of Engram seeing an expanded role in this year's offense. 

"Quarterback Bo Nix will have a new lead pass-catcher in wideout Jaylen Waddle. The Denver Broncos gave up a first-rounder, a third-rounder and a fourth-rounder to acquire him and a fourth-round pick from the Miami Dolphins. So, he should see the most targets.

Waddle's speed should open up the middle of the field for his teammates on short-to-intermediate routes.

However, Engram will turn 32 in September. Last season, he suited up for 16 games but played a career-low 42 percent of the offensive snaps.

Keep in mind that the Broncos signed fellow tight ends Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins to extensions this offseason and drafted Justin Joly and Dallen Bentley, who play the same position.

Although Waddle will garner attention outside the numbers, Engram may not be the full beneficiary of his involvement in the aerial attack.

Engram is the best pass-catcher among the Broncos' tight ends, but he could continue to lose snaps to younger talent behind him on the depth chart", wrote Moton. 

Engram is coming up on the age where production takes a big dip, and there is a chance he will be just as pedestrian for the Broncos this coming season as he was last year. But that won't be because of names like Trautman and Bentley. 

Trautman is around due to his experience playing under Payton, but he's never going to be a playmaker for this team. With the Broncos also bringing back Adkins and having last year's seventh-round pick, Caleb Lohner, on the roster, it will be tough for Bentley to make this year's squad. He may be a practice squad stash for a season. 

The rookie Joly should get some looks in his first year, but the Broncos are going to rely on Engram a considerable amount at the tight end position. 

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Predicting that Engram will provide as little as he did last season is understandable. However, the idea that a dynamic player such as Waddle, something the Broncos roster has been void of since Bo Nix was drafted, could open up the passing attack and lead to more chances for Engram, is just as valid. 

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