Denver Broncos Tight End Competition

Jacob Tamme was the starter last season due to his receiving ability. He is not much a blocker, but he is a good receiver who is adept at finding the open spot on the field. He was off and on last season, sometimes he would show up and have a great game, others he would be nonexistent. He will probably not be a top option this season since the Broncos signed Welker, but he will still be an important part of the team. 

Joel Dreesen had been thought of as more of a blocker, but he was a really good receiver last season. He was Manning's main tight end target near the end zone last season and that showed with his 5 touchdowns. He is not a big play guy, but he will move the chains. Blocking is his forte which is why I think he will get a lot of playing time next season. 

Virgil Green was suspended for the first four games last season due to violating the leagues substance abuse policy. When he finally got back he had a hard time finding a place on the team. He is a good blocker who has some decent receiving skills. He found himself playing some fullback last season, but I don't thinl that will carry over into this season. With Dreesen and Tamme likely in front of him on the depth chart, it will likely be tough for him to find playing time barring injury.

Julius Thomas was a project pick when the Broncos took him in the 5th round of the 2011 draft. It looks as if this project has run amuck. He has not developed well coming into this season and whenever he is on the field he looks lost and confused. Maybe that changes this season, but I doubt it. He was stuck on the inactive list last season, but Broncos brass may think that spot could be filled by someone who could be more productive. 

Lucas Reed was picked up as an undrafted free agent after this years draft. He looks the part of an NFL tight end, he is 6'6" and 250 pounds and he has big hands. He has the athleticism that his necessary to get open and make plays. However, he has problems with patterns and looks stiff when he runs. He will likely battle Thomas for the last roster spot for a tight end. \

I think Dreesen will end up being the starter because of his superior blocking skills and his developing receiving skills. Tamme is a close second and should see the field a lot because he can be split out wide. Virgil Green is nowhere close to those two, but he is definitely separated from both Thomas and Reed. Thomas should win the position battle wit Reed, but coaches may think they can develop Reeds' potential more than Thomas