The Broncos have the players to roll two tight ends in and out of the game. Nick Vannett and Noah Fant would be the starters in “12.” Jake Butt is healthy and versatile. Rookie Albert Okwuegbunam is a receiving threat. And Andrew Beck can play fullback and tight end.

Projected third receiver K.J. Hamler (hamstring) remains out. The first month of the season presents edge rushers Jadeveon Clowney (Titans), T.J. Watt (Pittsburgh) and Shaq Barrett (Tampa Bay), which means using the tight end in protection. And the best way to ease a young offense into the season is by having an effective running game. The extra tight end helps there, too, the story all said.

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.