The Denver Broncos have always had high hopes for Virgil Green. Since selecting him in the seventh round of the 2011 NFL draft, he’s been a presence, however small, on the Broncos offense. He’s played tight end, he’s played fullback and he’s been a blocker.
What he hasn’t been is a consistent pass-catching threat.
In five seasons, Green has caught a total of 35 balls for 379 yards and two touchdowns. Last year, when he pulled in 12 receptions for 173 yards and one touchdown, was his best year by far.
But in today’s NFL, that’s pitiful production for a tight end, and this year, the Broncos need much more than that.
With no Julius Thomas and no Owen Daniels, Denver’s tight end position is up for grabs, and Green is the most-likely Week 1 starter. So far, he’s proven he’s up for the task.
In two games — two series, really — Green has pulled in seven receptions for 83 yards; he’s looked like a focal point of Gary Kubiak’s offense and a legitimate threat in the passing game.
That much has been clear.
Virgil Green is making a real statement this preseason
— Michael Jaycox (@MilkyMike) August 21, 2016
Virgil Green has easily been the best TE for the #Broncos so far this summer.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe) August 21, 2016
TE job looks like Virgil Greens. . .
— Gil Whiteley, Now and Then (@Gilfest) August 21, 2016
Virgil Green…again!
— Arran Andersen (@arranandersen) August 21, 2016
For Virgil Green, it seems like "next year" is finally here.
— Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) August 21, 2016
A quarterback’s best friend is a reliable tight end, and after years of hoping, it finally looks as if Virgil Green is ready to play that role.