The Denver Gazette examines different Broncos position groups before the start of training camp with rookies reporting July 22:

Wide receiver and tight end

Projected starters

— WR Courtland Sutton

— WR Jaylen Waddle

— WR Pat Bryant

— TE Evan Engram

Projected backups

— WR Troy Franklin

— WR Lil’Jordan Humphrey

— WR Marvin Mims Jr.

— TE Adam Trautman

Roster hopefuls

— WR Cameron Ross

— WR Dane Key

— WR Kolbe Katsis

— WR Hakeem Butler

— WR Michael Bandy

— TE Nate Adkins

— TE Justin Joly

— TE Lucas Krull

— TE Caleb Lohner

— TE Dallen Bentley

Elephant in the room:
Was last season a fluke for Engram?

The hype did not match the reality for Engram in his first season in Denver. The Broncos signed him in free agency to give quarterback Bo Nix a dynamic pass-catching tight end. That never materialized. Engram logged just 50 catches for 461 yards and one touchdown. He played fewer total offensive snaps (42%) compared to Trautman (57%).

Engram will be 32 years old in the fall. His last dominant season was 2023 in Jacksonville with 963 yards receiving. It is certainly possible that new Broncos play caller Davis Webb unlocks that version of Engram next season. It’s also possible that a new pass-catching tight end emerges.

The Broncos have invested recent draft capital in Lohner (seventh round) and Joly (fifth round). Both players have the athleticism and length to potentially rise on the depth chart, especially if Engram is unable to gain traction with Webb calling plays. The Broncos need a reliable weapon catching passes at tight end. Trautman and Adkins are their best blocking tight ends.

Biggest competition: No. 3 wide receiver

The Broncos added Waddle in a trade to give Denver a proven deep threat and playmaker in space. Sutton returns as a respected team leader after consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. But who will be the No. 3 wide receiver?

There are four candidates — Bryant, Franklin, Humphrey and Mims — with a real chance to fill that role. Bryant might have the highest ceiling of the group as a third-round pick entering his second season. Franklin and Mims have flashed elite talent. Humphrey might be the team’s best blocking wide receiver.

Bottom line

Waddle is the biggest offseason addition for the Broncos. Expectations are high that he will help transform the offense. But many claimed the same potential for Engram a year ago. The Broncos need both players to reach their full potential in 2026.