Could Greg Dulcich or Lucas Krull Be the Broncos’ Answer at Tight End?
Greg Dulcich began the season as the starting tight end for the Broncos but didn’t stay long. Lucas Krull ended the season, nearly catching a 43-yard touchdown pass from Jarrett Stidham in the finale, only for it to be deflected by Jack Jones.
Throughout the season, the Broncos’ tight ends were the least productive in the NFL in terms of pass-catching. Despite this, the Broncos made minimal changes to the position, apart from cutting Chris Manhertz before the new league year.
Dulcich’s injury history is notable, having missed 22 of 34 possible games in his first two years due to constant hamstring issues and a recent foot injury that kept him out of OTAs and minicamp. The Broncos’ reliance on their depth at the position suggests confidence in their other tight ends, particularly Krull.
Lucas Krull: A Rising Star in OTAs
Krull had the potential to become well-known last December 3rd if he had caught a crucial pass from Russell Wilson in the Houston end zone. The missed opportunity led to an interception and a loss for the Broncos, delaying Krull’s first reception by a week.
Krull continued to work hard, starting on the scout team against the Broncos’ top defense and making his regular-season debut in Week 10 against Buffalo. His dedication paid off during the offseason, where he worked with former first-round quarterback Kenny Pickett to improve his speed, route running, and strength.
In OTAs, Krull stood out, catching multiple passes, including long gains. His performance caught the attention of head coach Sean Payton, who praised Krull’s efforts and hinted at his potential to become well-known.
The Dependable Adam Trautman
Adam Trautman, the presumed No. 1 tight end, is the most reliable player in the group. Known for his strong blocking and adequate pass-catching skills, Trautman is also a leader and mentor to his teammates, especially Krull. His re-signing at the start of the league year emphasizes his importance to the team.
Developing Beyond the Top Three
Nate Adkins offers versatility, playing both fullback and tight end. The release of Manhertz opens an opportunity for Adkins to secure a spot as a blocking-first tight end and special-teams contributor.
Rookie Thomas Yassmin, a former rugby player from Australia, joins through the NFL’s international practice-squad program, giving him a guaranteed spot to develop. With a 6-touchdown season in 2022 at Utah, Yassmin shows promise and fits well into the Broncos’ long-term plans.
