Tight end room makes a statement in the Broncos preseason finale

The Broncos roster is loaded with talent. On both sides of the ball, the team is stacked with players who have All-Pro pedigree and/or potential.

But one position group has been an exception to that rule. One room has been a source of concern, consternation and criticism – the tight ends.

The depth chart says it all. Adam Trautman. Evan Engram. Justin Joly. Nate Adkins. Caleb Lohner. Lucas Kroll. Dallen Bentley.

That’s a list of guys, underachievers and unknowns. But on Friday night, in the Broncos preseason finale, they had their share of moments.

Adkins has two catches for 36 yards early in the game, helping the Broncos move the chains and take the lead. And Joly had two grabs for 95 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown that put the game away.

Productive and efficient. With a splash of excitement. Not bad for the two players listed behind Trautman and Engram, who figure to get most of the time during the regular season.

As a result, Sean Payton was asked about the group during his postgame press conference. And he was upbeat about a much-maligned group.

“It’s a deep room,” the head coach said. “What’s the role? What’s the vision?”

In other words, it’s about finding the right of players who can do all of the things necessary to play the position. Who can block? Who can catch? Who can create mismatches? It’s all in the mix, as the Broncos make roster decisions.

“That’s something we’re still working through and trying to look closely at,” Payton added when talking about how they’ll finalize that group for the regular season. “It’s one of the topics that will be high on the list tomorrow.”

Who makes the cut and who doesn’t? Two players made a strong case for themselves on Friday night. And Sean Payton seemed to notice their efforts.

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