Denver Broncos' Major Flaw Despite Having One of the Best NFL Rosters in 2026 1
The Denver Broncos have assembled one of the NFL’s strongest rosters heading into the 2026 season, but Evan Engram represents a potential weakness for an otherwise Super Bowl-caliber team. The tight end position remains the clearest question mark on a roster that has few obvious holes.
The Broncos finished among the league’s top teams in overall roster rankings, reflecting the depth and talent they have accumulated across both sides of the ball. Their defense has the personnel to create pressure, their offense has developed into a more complete unit, and their overall depth gives them enough flexibility to withstand injuries. Still, championship teams are often separated by their weakest position, and tight end stands out as the area most likely to draw scrutiny.
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) runs through warmups during the fourth day of the NFL football training camp practice session Saturday, July 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium’s Miller Electric Center in Jacksonville, Fla. [Bob Self/Florida Times-Union]
Engram was brought in with the expectation that he could solve that problem, giving the offense an athletic receiving option capable of stretching defenses from the middle of the field. His ability to create mismatches and contribute after the catch provides a dimension the offense needs, particularly on third downs and in the red zone. However, questions surrounding consistency and durability make it difficult to view the position as completely settled entering the season.
The rest of the tight end room offers useful depth, but there is not necessarily a proven difference-maker waiting behind the veteran addition. The position has the potential to become a strength if the group develops as expected, yet it also carries more uncertainty than nearly every other part of the roster. That imbalance is particularly noticeable because the team appears equipped to compete at a high level elsewhere.
Denver Broncos’ Tight End Group Named Their Major Flaw Ahead of 2026 NFL Season
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Jacksonville Jaguars tight end Evan Engram (17) hauls in a reception for a touchdown score during the fourth quarter of an NFL football matchup Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024 at EverBank Stadium in Jacksonville, Fla. The Packers edged the Jaguars 30-27 on a last-second field goal. [Corey Perrine/Florida Times-Union]
Denver’s tight end group was identified as a weakness before the new NFL season has started. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jordan Dajani and Tyler Sullivan for CBS Sports.
The bad: Tight end — We thought Evan Engram joining the Broncos was a match made in heaven, as he could become Sean Payton’s “joker.” But Engram recorded just 461 yards receiving and one touchdown last season. The other players behind him on the depth chart include Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Krull. I’m not expecting the tight end to play a major role in Denver’s passing attack as we’ve seen with other teams in the AFC West.
The front office could still explore an upgrade if the position struggles during the season. Adding another established option would provide insurance while creating competition for playing time, although the emergence of younger players could make an external addition unnecessary. For now, the team appears willing to bet that its current combination of experience, athleticism and development will be enough.
The Broncos have enough talent to make a serious championship push, but the tight end position could become the roster’s defining flaw if it fails to produce consistently. If Engram and the rest of the group deliver reliable production, the only notable weakness could quickly become another strength.