INDIANAPOLIS – The Broncos regained relevancy, now can they make it their residency?
They reached the playoffs in 2024. They found their guy in Bo Nix. They are hanging with the cool kids again, possessing a quarterback on a rookie deal as they emerge from salary cap hades.
But they must get a tight end and running back who can take the pressure off Nix or prepare to fade back into the darkness. Sean Payton needs his “joker.” We get it.
The question is who?
For the first time since Payton took over in 2023, he appears serious about addressing the void. After selling us on Adam Trautman and Company and Javonte Williams and Crew, I need to see it.
Payton earned trust with the selection of Nix. But his misplaced loyalty at tight end and blind spot at running back prevent him from getting the benefit of the doubt in this case. Like his team, he has to continue to prove it.
He has acknowledged the problem. However, if this ends with Payton converting Lil’Jordan Humphrey to tight end, then consider me pranked. If Williams starts at running back in the opener, then call my emergency contact.
Shopping off the clearance rack won’t work. The Broncos need bonafide threats to bring out the best in Nix. My working theory is that they have four candidates for the 20th pick — tight ends Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland and running backs Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton — and will only go another direction if they are off the board.
Let’s start at tight end. Over the last decade, the Chiefs have had the football equivalent ofLuka Doncic. The Broncos have had Hookah Doncic.
Payton needs his Jimmy Graham. But again, who?
There are interesting options. Former Broncos tight end and Big Ten analyst Jake Butt saw two of them up close and personal.
“I know Tyler Warren and Colston Loveland. Colston is a technician. You look at how Travis Kelce is always open. That’s just feel. Colston has that,” Butt said. “Tyler is more of a Gronk (Rob Gronkowski) type. You are taking him with a different vision in mind. He’s great after the catch. A better blocker. A bigger body. I know the last time the Broncos drafted a tight end at 20 they took Noah Fant. He was a rare athlete. But, I think these guys are more polished and leaps and bounds ahead of him.”
No one I have talked to at the NFL combine this week believes Warren will be available at the Broncos’ 20th pick. Or that Denver would have the appetite to trade up. But…
“If he is there, Denver should run to the podium and hand in the card,” NBC analyst Chris Simms said Wednesday.
Added Broncos’ Super Bowl 50 champion Ryan Harris, “I like Colston, but he hasn’t been the focus of an offense. If you are going tight end, go get Miami’s (13th pick) and get Warren.”
Warren is a better player. Colston is a better fit. Colston, surgically repaired right shoulder willing, runs routes like a slot receiver, and wins in the middle of the field. That is exactly what Nix needs as he becomes more confident in the pocket.
Think about what Graham did for Drew Brees. In five seasons in New Orleans, he averaged 84 receptions, 1,036 yards and 11 touchdowns.
“Tight end is an obvious choice. It is a quarterback’s best friend,” The Athletic’s Michael Silver said. “I think of Sean with Jimmy Graham. What a weapon he was. Such a big part of the offense.”
The Broncos tight end leaders the past two seasons have averaged 20 catches for 196 yards and three touchdowns. Shannon Sharpe used to burp out those numbers.
It was equally discouraging at running back, where Williams, an all-time good guy and great comeback story, has averaged 644 yards and three touchdowns on 3.6 yards per carry over the past two years.
The Broncos believe their offensive line is a team strength. There is no excuse for the run game to be this ineffective. Jeanty or Hampton would provide a boost. Jeanty can change a game as a runner, receiver and pass protector. Hampton is physical with breakaway speed.
“You can’t have 12-play, 75-yard drives against good teams consistently,” Simms said. “You need a guy who can pop a run or take a slant 60 yards to take the pressure off the quarterback.”
Payton knows this. For 15 years in New Orleans he led a prolific offense. So don’t fill up at the pump with unleaded and pass it off as nitromethane.
No one is going to confuse Nix with John Elway. But remember Elway never won a Super Bowl until Sharpe replaced Clarence Kay and Terrell Davis succeeded Leonard Russell.
Payton needs a joker. So does Nix.
One of those four — Warren, Loveland, Jeanty or Hampton — must be the guy. If not, the question of “Who?” will remain a tread-bare Abbott and Costello skit.
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