5 Broncos In Need of a Big Season
Jake Butt, Tight End
Quick, where do the Broncos rank in red-zone offense for the last three seasons? How about third-down efficiency?
After coming in 28th in red-zone efficiency in 2015 and 2016, the Broncos were dead last in 2017.
The third-down numbers are equally depressing. How those two stats manifest with the Broncos is in their baffling inability to convert third-and-short/goal situations. Denver has invested again in offensive line help, hoping to coalesce a unit out of the group they’ve put together. Jared Veldheer comes in from Phoenix to hopefully lock down the right tackle. Denver drafted Sam Jones for the interior line. They also drafted a couple of bruising running backs, highlighted by the 6′ 240 pound Royce Freeman from Oregon.
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What they need from Butt and his fellow tight ends is production we haven’t seen since Julius Thomas. Butt, in his career at Michigan was a Touchdown and First Down machine. In his senior season (2016) a whopping 29 of his 43 catches were for first-downs. He scored 11 touchdowns in his 4-years in Ann Arbor.
This is specifically why Denver used a draft pick and signed a 4-year contract with a player that had two ACL injuries in his 4-year collegiate career. Butt has a knack for the things the Broncos lack. Thanks, let me know if you want to hear my demo.
If healthy, JB provides an immediate, huge upgrade at the receiving tight end spot and gives Keenum another bullet in his belt. Support of Keenum is important to Denver’s success.