Through two weeks of training camp practices, Nick Vannett has often lined up in a three-point stance next to right tackle Elijah Wilkinson or left tackle Garett Bolles. But Vannett has looked comfortable as a downfield receiver, too, which should be another wrinkle for offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur to utilize.

Related players Noah Fant

Vannett projected as more of a blocking TE but is starting to show signs as a receiving threat. Most of that work is supposed to go to Fant and probably still will. Even the story said Vannett isn’t going to be a 30- or 40-catch guy — there are too many other players to get touches, led by Fant, receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy and running backs Melvin Gordon and Phillip Lindsay. But he has 12, 29 and 17 catches the past three years so his sweet spot might be 20 to 25 receptions, the story projected

Noah Fant hopes to parlay the momentum he built over the second half of last year into 2020, as he’s the leading man in a deep tight end room that also features free-agent acquisition Nick Vannett, returnee Troy Fumagalli and rookie Albert Okwuegbunam. Fant put on about 5 to 10 pounds and is ready for a versatile role within new offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur’s system.

Fant was quoted in the story as saying he'll be in the slot, in-line and outside as a wide receiver, adding he loves playing outside as a WR. However, Fant would be ranked higher if not for the Broncos’ offseason acquisitions of Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, who are likely to pinch Fant’s targets, which weren’t that high to start with (4.1 per game in 2019). He was also a sub 60%-snap player in the final month of the season, which is a bit worrisome. Fant is ranked 20th on our TE list.

The Broncos have been exceedingly happy with how Noah Fant has fared as a blocker in the season's first half, and OC Rich Scangarello and quarterback Joe Flacco kept promising that the impact would come in the passing game. That day arrived Sunday, as the Broncos continued to search for a player or two to replace the production lost when receiver Emmanuel Sanders was traded to the San Francisco 49ers two weeks ago.

"Noah's a guy, you know, who's been up and down, but he's a young guy with talent," Broncos coach Vic Fangio said. "It's our job as coaches to develop talent ... nice to see him have a good day."

Fant has a franchise-record 23 receptions on the season and that should only go up from here after last week. On his 75-yard TD, he showed good precision on the route and ran through three tackles while showing the 4.5 40-yard speed that made him a first-round pick.

There were all kinds of Broncos players grimacing as they put on their shirts and shoes Sunday. Royce Freeman (shoulder), Joe Flacco (neck), Jeff Heuerman (knee), Todd Davis (knee), Ja'Wuan James (knee).

Related players: Phillip Lindsay, Noah Fant

Freeman's shoulder injury isn't supposed to be serious according to reports but with the struggles this season there is no reason to rush him back.

Heuerman is dealing with a knee injury which could open the door for Fant. As TE is always a position that's a struggle at some point during the fantasy season, this is certainly news to pay attention to.

Jake Butt erased any worry with a solid performance in a football return of nearly one year in the making. Butt said he “felt good” on 11 snaps played with two receptions for 17 yards. He took on blockers, split out as a wide receiver on some plays and showcased quick feet in route running, albeit in a small sample size.

Related players: Noah Fant

Butt had a false alarm when he limped off the field after his first play. Butt is further down the Broncos depth chart with Fant projected as the team's TE1. But, several injuries to the tight ends and the still unknown potential of Fant present Butt an opportunity to move up.