Evan Engram looks strong for Broncos in OTAs, but one thing can't be ignored

1 hour ago 3

The Denver Broncos recently concluded their second round of organizational team activities (OTAs) as the 2026 NFL season is fast approaching.

The Broncos have had a strong offseason, retaining as many players from last year's roster as possible while also making the big splash move in trading for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle. However, the inside linebacker position had big question marks surrounding it entering the draft and none of those questions were sufficiently answered.

As it stands, the Broncos plan to open the season with Alex Singleton and Justin Strnad as their starters with a bunch of inexperienced players, most of whom entered the league as undrafted free agents, providing the depth behind them.

As mentioned by Troy Renck of The Denver Post, Evan Engram has been a player who has stood out at OTAs for the team. That is highly encouraging, as Engram was a major letdown for the team in 2025. However, what's not encouraging was the flip side of that coin. Here was Renck's commentary on the matter:

"No free agent signing generated more excitement last March than the addition of Engram. He profiled as a mismatch in space in the passing game. By season’s end, he was lost in space. While Engram worked hard, remained humbled and never publicly complained, he filled a diminished role, catching 50 passes for 461 yards and one touchdown.

He had three big plays — a catalytic touchdown against the Eagles in a shocking comeback win, a first down in the go-ahead drive against the Jets in London and a 41-yard overtime reception in Washington, schooling Bobby Wagner to set up a score.

This was who we thought Engram would be after watching OTAs in 2025.

Flash forward to the past two weeks. Engram is making light work of linebackers in coverage with eye-widening catches".

Broncos fans are not going to want to hear that a 31-year-old tight end coming off a down year is making "light work" of the linebackers. That should be sounding off alarm bells.

Broncos must further address inside linebacker position

I have discussed potential options for this team to consider this offseason and those are still available. The team needs to strongly consider adding a player such as Bobby Wagner or Bobby Okereke to help shore up this unit.

Seventh-round selection Red Murdock is an intriguing prospect who could develop into a steal for the Broncos in this draft, but he's not there yet and likely won't be when the season kicks off. The team needs players who have been there and done that and if you're a Broncos fan who has watched this team routinely be torched by tight ends over the years, you are likely in agreement.

HOT READ: Why Sam Ehlinger has legitimate chance to be Broncos' No. 2 quarterback in 2026

There are still nearly three months before the regular season starts and the Broncos' front office likely has a close eye on this position group, but it would be nothing short of shocking if efforts weren't made to improve it before the season opener in Kansas City.