If the Denver Broncos offense hopes to take a step forward this upcoming season, they’ll need more contributions from the tight end group. Lucas Krull and Greg Dulcich could become two crucial contributors this year inside of Sean Payton’s scheme.
Denver Broncos tight end group could emerge in 2024
Payton had big plans last season for Dulcich inside of the offense, but injuries hampered those expectations and made it difficult without a viable replacement for the role. Veteran tight end Adam Trautman was the main option at the position but he offers an entirely different skill set than Dulcich does. Second-year tight end Nate Adkins is more of an h-back type of player, who has also impressed early on.
Krull landed on the team’s practice squad after the NFL preseason and began to learn the scheme and get more comfortable inside of the system. Many of us in the media observed him in practice daily as Payton challenged him to earn a spot in the rotation. His 6-foot-5 frame stands out, but his speed at that size specifically is something that has the potential to thrive next to Dulcich’s skillset.
“You guys see it,” Krull said. “The guy flies around and makes plays all day. He’s amazing. He’s an unbelievable competitor. [The] guy has unbelievable wheels, great hands. Just can do it all type of guy. Same with ‘Traut’ [TE Adam Trautman] and all these guys. Everyone has our roles and we do it so well. Nate — unbelievable with his hand in the ground and freaky speed that people probably don’t even realize. [No.] 45 can roll. He’s always at the top of the charts on our Catapult [performance data system]; it’s awesome. I’ll tell you, Greg, just having him back out here, it’s been awesome. It’s been so great.”
Fast forward to training camp, Krull knows the system, and Dulcich is healthy — these two could present challenges to defenses this upcoming season if all goes according to plan.
In Tuesday’s practice, Bo Nix delivered a beautiful strike to Krull up the seam for a touchdown in 7-on-7, prompting Krull to celebrate by tossing the ball high up into the air.
“You have to bring the energy every day,” Krull said. “That’s something that I’m real passionate about. I love this game. I have so much love for it, just being able to come out here and having the blessing and opportunity every day to come out here and do what I love. I try to just put all my energy and all my effort behind everything I do. So when I get the opportunity to celebrate, I’m going to make the most of it.”
Hopefully there’s a lot of throwing the ball up in the air after a score this upcoming season.
