Kirby Lee USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Broncos have a problem. For a change, it’s a good problem to have. With tight end Jacob Tamme returning to practice and fellow tight-end Joel Dreessen a couple weeks away, the Broncos will have a full stable of contributing tight ends.
Julius Thomas — who has had a fantastic camp– and Virgil Green, have filled in admirably during the two veterans’ absence.
Thomas was targeted several times during Denver’s preseason opener against the San Francisco 49ers and showed flashes of his improved blocking. “Julius was a stud tonight,” said backup quarterback Brock Osweiler. ” He blocked his tail off on the line. He caught balls. He hustled down field. He did everything for us. Julius had a great game.”
Not a bad summary for someone who was planning on fighting for every snap of playing time.
With both Tamme and Dreessen returning, what will the Broncos do?
Thomas has the highest ceiling of the four and has displayed his athletic abilities numerous times over the last three weeks, so much so, that he just might be the tight end that starts opening night against the Baltimore Ravens.
Green has done several things to help his cause too. Both tight ends seem to be “better players” than Tamme and Dreessen, but the vets provide the experience factor that is needed in a Peyton Manning run offense.
Do the Broncos go with athletic ability over veteran savvy?
No matter what direction the Broncos go, they are loaded at the tight end position.
Having depth at the tight end position is important for the Broncos, as they lack anyone with experience to back up slot receiver Wes Welker. If Welker goes down, expect the Broncos to slide one of their tight ends into the slot.
Again, not a bad problem to have.
Mike De Marco is a columnist for www.rantsports.com Follow him on Twitter @mikedemarco77 “like” Mike on Facebook and add follow his Network on Google.
