Editor’s note: Eighth and final part in a series previewing each Broncos position group entering the start of training camp on Tuesday.
In his second NFL season, Broncos tight end Noah Fant increased his reception total from 40 to 62.
But something was missing and it became the foundation of his offseason focus.
Broncos preview
QuarterbacksRunning backsWide receiversTight endsOffensive linemenDefensive linemenLinebackersDefensive backs“Consistency,” Fant said. “I think that’s the biggest thing. If I can get those catches (and) make those blocks and do that consistently throughout the season and do that all year long and be at my highest level of play, the sky is the limit.”
The Broncos’ first-round pick in 2019 (20th overall), Fant is a fashionable choice to break out in his third season even with the uncertainty at quarterback.
Fant didn’t have a 100-yard receiving game last year, but finished strong, catching 18 passes over the last three games.
The key for Fant will be getting him into more big-play situations.
Even though his catch total increased by 22, he had only 111 more yards (562 to 673).
As a rookie, Fant had 14 explosive receptions (gain of at least 16 yards), including 10 of at least 20 yards. Last year, he had 13 explosive catches, including eight of at least 20 yards.
Who’s back
Noah Fant (first round 2019), Andrew Beck (waivers ’19), Albert Okwuegbunam (fourth round ’20) and Austin Fort (undrafted free agent ’19).
Okwuegbunam was slowed by a knee injury in training camp and just as he was starting to gain traction (11 catches in four games), he tore his ACL last November in Atlanta and is expected to be limited when camp opens. When healthy, he is a dynamic receiver.
Acquired from New England on waivers after the ’19 preseason, Beck has carved out a niche as a combo fullback/tight end/special teams player. He was limited to 10 games last year (hamstring).
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Who’s new
Eric Saubert (free agent) and Shaun Beyer (undrafted free agent).
Saubert, 27, is an NFL journeyman — the Broncos are his fourth team in as many years following stints with Atlanta, Chicago and Jacksonville. He has only 10 catches in 40 games (no touchdowns), so the expectation is he will serve as the main in-line blocker.
Beyer caught 18 catches in 35 games for Iowa.
Who’s gone
Nick Vannett (New Orleans), Jake Butt (Chicago) and Jordan Leggett (free agent).
Overview
There may be no bigger beneficiary of the return of receiver Courtland Sutton than Fant. If the Broncos line up Sutton and Jerry Jeudy outside, they could draw over-the-top safety help, leaving the seams open for Fant.
Fant averaged 14.1 yards per catch as a rookie, but that dipped to 10.9 last year. Getting him open while he’s running downfield will create more yards post-catch.
Number of note
62
Catches last year by Noah Fant, the most by a Broncos tight end since Julius Thomas had 65 in 2013.
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