No. 1 tight end role up for grabs

EDITOR’S NOTE: One of a series looking at the position groups for the Broncos heading into training camp.

It’s too early to tell which Broncos tight end will emerge as quarterback Case Keenum’s go-to option this fall.

Here’s what we do know: That pass-catching, runblocking void in Denver’s offense will probably be filled by a former Big Ten standout.

Five of the six tight ends on the Broncos’ roster hail from the same collegiate conference — Jake Butt (Michigan), Jeff Heuerman (Ohio State), Matt LaCosse (Illinois), Troy Fumagalli (Wisconsin) and Austin Traylor (Wisconsin). Then there’s Big Ten outsider Brian Parker (Albany).

In recent years, the Broncos have gotten little production from the tight end position. Not since Julius Thomas hauled in 12 touchdowns in 2014 have the Broncos featured a dynamic red-zone threat at the position.

Butt appears to have the highest ceiling among the unit, though he has yet to play in the NFL. Before a retorn right ACL as a senior in the Orange Bowl, Butt was projected by many as a second-round NFL draft talent. The Broncos landed him with the first pick of the fifth round and, after a season of rehabilitation, Butt is now at full health.

“(Butt) wants the ball no matter what, and I like that,” Keenum said. “I like a guy that comes back to the huddle and (I say), ‘Hey, were you open on that play?’ and even if there were three guys on him, he’s like, ‘Yeah, you could’ve fit it in.’ He wants the ball, and I love that. He’s hungry for knowledge, for how to run routes, for how to maneuver with leverage, and I’m excited for him to continue to keep going.”

Heuerman, a third-round pick in 2015, enters a possible make-or-break fourth season in Denver. He had just nine receptions for 142 yards and two touchdowns a season ago. LaCosse, Traylor and Parker are still green in their NFL careers and have combined for just 12 catches. Fumagalli, a fifth-round pick in April’s draft, faces a steep learning curve after groin surgery and might not be on the field anytime soon.

No matter which player steps into the No. 1 tight end role, though, stability at quarterback should benefit the entire group.

“Playing with three different quarterbacks and going week to week last year, it’s kind of tough sometimes getting into a rhythm and getting into the groove of things,” Heuerman said. “Hopefully with Case we can get into a good rhythm and build on that week to week.” Wednesday: Offensive line

Joe Amon, The Denver Post Broncos tight end Jake Butt works out during OTAs in May. Despite not having played a down in the NFL, he ranks as the favorite to start the opener Sept. 9 against the Seattle Seahawks.