With the release of Owen Daniels and Vernon Davis, the starting tight end gig is wide open for the Denver Broncos.
As of right now, the Broncos have four tight ends on their depth chart. Virgil Green and Garrett Graham have 13 years of combined experience, while Jeff Heuerman (spent last season on IR) and Henry Krieger-Coble are essentially rookies. As we near training camp, it looks as if Green and Graham will be the frontrunners for the starting job.
Green is the only tight end on the roster to have a reception for the orange and blue, and last year he had a career-high 12 receptions on the season, with one touchdown against the Chiefs in Week 2.
Graham was a big part of the Houston Texans offense in 2012 and 2013, when he combined for 77 receptions and eight touchdowns. In recent years, however, his role has declined, only pulling in 22 receptions the last two seasons.
“I think Virgil’s probably going to get the most opportunity to be an every down guy,” Dreessen said. “You’re going to see him catch more passes in that play-action game. Thats going to be huge with whoever the quarterback is.”
But don’t count out Heuerman, he has good speed for a tight end and can beat defensive backs in straight seam patterns. Speed is something the Heuerman has over both Green and Graham
“The kid can do everything — run, block, catch, play special teams. Thats exactly was Kubiak told me about him,” Dreesen said. “This guy can do a little bit of everything.”
Catch the rest of the conversation below …
Catch Notaro and Big Dee every Monday through Thursday from 6p-8p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 and FM 104.7, or stream live anytime for the best coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup.