The Denver Broncos reached up in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft and took Jeff Heuerman 92nd overall and the newest member of the team met with the media Saturday.
“I’m going to do whatever I can to help this team win, no matter what it is. I’m excited to learn, start studying the playbook and get to work,” he said through a big smile.
The team spent the offseason accumulating tight ends in free agency with the additions of Owen Daniels, James Casey and resigning Virgil Green. Despite the depth, the Broncos could not resist taking Heuerman who played at Ohio State University on his way to a 2014-15 NCAA National Championship.
“Jeff Heuerman from Ohio State, a tight end, he can play the ‘Y,’ but has the ability to play the ‘H’ and will also be a guy that can block and also be involved in the passing game. I really think that he has a high ceiling. He’s just scratching the surface of what he can do. We were happy to get him the bottom of the third,” John Elway said Friday night.
Heuerman was projected on most mock drafts as a fourth to fifth round pick and struggled with a foot injury his senior season. He caught only 17 passes in his final year as a Buckeye but was touted as a leader in the locker room and a versatile tight end who can block from the end, as well as in the backfield. The 6’5”, 255 pound tight end will be looking to contribute right away despite his quiet season in 2014.
“I knew we had a lot of young guys on that offense and I knew I was going to have to fill my role. Pass protect, run block, those were two things I did a lot last year but you know what that’s what makes me a more well rounded tight end,” Heuerman said. “I was happy doing it and it helped me grow as a player.”
Head coach Gary Kubiak is notorious for finding and developing tight ends and while Heuerman’s selection at 92nd overall may seem like a reach, he maybe a long term project with a lot of upside.
“This guy is a leader. I did a lot of homework on him. He’s a leader on a national championship football team. That says a lot right there. I love his passion. I like the way he plays,” Kubiak said Friday. “He can probably put on a little weight. I think he has the ability to do both. He’s a very smart player. Anytime you have those types of players, you’re versatile offensively,”
Falling in line with the other two new Broncos, Heuerman voiced his excitement in joining Peyton Manning and a talented Broncos roster as soon as possible.
“I can’t wait to fly in and learn from one of the best to ever play the game of football. I’m ecstatic; I couldn’t be more excited to get in there and start learning, contribute and help the team.”
Email Sam at sam@milehighsports.com and follow him on Twitter @SamCowhick.
