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Rookie Joly Poised for Early Broncos Impact
11 May
Summary
- Justin Joly, a fifth-round pick, is expected to make an early impact.
- He excels at making catches outside his strike zone and yards after catch.
- Joly faces competition from established tight ends Evan Engram and Adam Trautman.
Denver Broncos rookie Justin Joly, a fifth-round selection from North Carolina State, is being highlighted for his potential to make an immediate impact on the team. ESPN's Field Yates has recognized Joly as a Day 2-3 pick capable of contributing from the outset, which would be beneficial for an AFC contender like Denver.
Sean Payton's coaching philosophy often incorporates a 'Joker' role for tight ends or running backs who can create mismatches in the passing game. While Evan Engram was signed last offseason for this purpose, his 2025 statistics were modest. Joly, described as a nimble and talented pass catcher, specializes in making difficult catches and demonstrated impressive yards-after-catch ability throughout his college career, notably having no drops in 2025.
However, Joly's path to immediate playing time may be challenged by the presence of veteran tight ends Evan Engram and Adam Trautman. Engram occupies a similar 'Joker' role, and Trautman serves as a more traditional tight end. In the current NFL landscape, where teams value depth at tight end, Joly's versatility is seen as a significant asset for Payton's offensive schemes.
The ideal scenario for Joly might involve a gradual integration, learning throughout much of the season and peaking towards the end, or being ready to step up quickly if injuries arise. Broncos fans have reason to be excited about Joly's potential as a key contributor for the upcoming season.
