Sean Payton is absolutely pumped with what he’s seeing from Evan Engram and Nate Adkins this season, and honestly, who can blame him? After that tight end group last year? It was a real letdown, plain and simple. They just weren’t making the big plays through the air, and the offense felt it. Instead of going wild in free agency, the Broncos basically ran it back with the same crew, and it looks like that faith is paying off big time.
Engram’s Redemption Arc Is Already Lit
Remember when Evan Engram was a huge free agent signing in 2025, but he never really hit that “joker” player status they envisioned? Last season was a tough one, no doubt. He only caught 50 passes for 461 yards and just one touchdown, some of the lowest production totals of his entire NFL career. But hold up, because through the first two games of 2026, Engram is making the absolute most of every chance. Payton is straight-up impressed, telling us, “He’s doing well. He’s had a catch in each game, there’s some things he gives you in the passing game, and I think he’s blocking well, so I’m excited for him. I think he’s shown, especially in regard to protections and certain things, he gives you that threat. He’s doing well within the role.”
Talk about a turnaround! This ten-year veteran has hauled in five of his six targets for 60 yards and a touchdown, with four of those catches moving the chains for a crucial first down. It’s not just the receiving, either. Payton highlighted the serious work Engram put in over the offseason and training camp to improve his blocking. That effort is why he’s getting more reps, seeing the field for a whopping 57 percent of Denver’s offensive plays, which is a fifteen percent jump from 2025. This dude is finally showing everyone why they brought him in.
Nate Adkins: The Versatile Threat Nobody Saw Coming
While Engram is grabbing headlines, don’t sleep on Nate Adkins. Payton is just as thrilled with what this third-year tight end is bringing to the table. Adkins might be third in the pecking order behind Adam Trautman and Engram, but he’s proving to be incredibly versatile for the offense. After missing almost half of last year due to injury, he’s back with a vengeance.
Adkins has become a crucial blocker, kickstarting that rushing attack and making life easier for the running backs. Plus, he’s flashed serious potential as a safety outlet for quarterback Bo Nix. Just last week, in their comeback win against the Jaguars, Adkins had a stellar performance. He snagged all three of his targets for 32 yards and a touchdown. The guy signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, and now he’s showing everyone he’s one of the most underrated players on the team. This kind of depth and versatility at tight end can unlock so much for the offense.
With Engram finding his stride and Adkins becoming a true all-around weapon, this tight end room is looking like a serious problem for opposing defenses. Get ready to see these guys keep grinding for more big plays.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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