At the time, the decision to trade down and select Noah Fant rather than staying put and taking Devin Bush was heavily debated.
That is no longer the case after the exciting flashes Fant put together in year two, though injuries prevented it from becoming a true breakout campaign.
Fant is ready to take that next big step in year three, whether it be with Drew Lock, or Teddy Bridgewater — who Fant is already settling in with.
“I’ve gotten the chance to throw with Teddy [Bridgewater] these last couple days of OTAs,” Fant said. “You can definitely tell that he’s a vet. Ball placement and things like that are very important to him. He’s been great for us—he and [QB] Drew [Lock] both. I’m excited to see them compete through camp and through the preseason to help our team be better.”
Improved quarterback play will be a large factor in Fant truly breaking out, but improved consistency on his end of the exchange would help too, which he’s well aware of.
“Consistency. I think that’s the biggest thing,” Fant said in regard to what the next big step in his maturation process was. “I saw that last year, also. Like you said, if I can play that consistent and get those catches, make those blocks [and do] all that consistently throughout the season and do that all year long and be at my highest level of play, the sky is the limit. Consistency is a big word I’ve been focusing on this year. I’m starting to figure things out, starting to be more knowledgeable about the game and starting to get those vet aspects to what I’m doing. Now, it’s just consistency. Consistently being at the top level of play amongst the league. I’m not just competing with myself. I’m competing with every tight end across the league. There’s some good ones, so I have to step up to that level.”
In order to help him reach that level he will be attending George Kittle’s inaugural tight end summit.
“I’ve talked to George [Kittle] a little bit about it and I’m excited to go,” Fant said. “I’m excited to learn from those guys. That’s my biggest thing—try to take that moment to learn and see what those guys are doing and see how those guys see the game and learn from them in that aspect. It’s kind of cool because Von [Miller] does the pass-rush summit, so these guys are starting that tight end side of things. I think that’s going to be very beneficial not only to me but all the tight ends across the league. I’m excited to do that.”
Attending those summits aren’t all that Miller and Fant have in common. Their shared desire to constantly be improving and getting better has led to them forming quite the bond.
Earlier this week, Miller even said that Fant was, ‘his favorite guy on the team.’
“Noah Fant is my favorite guy on the team,” Miller said. “I want to tell all you guys that. Noah Fant, I’m super excited about this guy. He’s buff, he’s strong. I think he’s going into Year 3 now and he just looks like a beast.”
Fant was flattered by Miller’s comments.
“That meant a lot,” Fant said. “Von [Miller] has helped me through a lot over these last couple years. I remember my rookie year and him constantly talking to me and helping me through growing pains. This last year and everything I’ve been through these last couple months, he’s been there for me. It meant a lot. I think we’ve become closer over my span here. I just want to maximize my potential on the field and be that household name that he is for the Broncos. Help lead a team and do all those things that he’s so great at. Following in his footsteps in that aspect is something that would be very beneficial to me and the team. I’m definitely excited that he sees something in me. It’s my job to take that and keep grinding and push harder because I have to prove it on the field.”
