The Denver Broncos might have a big role for rookie tight end Justin Joly in 2026 — if he can keep cutting the carbs.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported the Broncos wanted Joly, a 2026 5th-round pick (No. 152 overall), to drop some weight before he gets on the field.
Joly checked in at 6-foot-4 and 241 pounds at the NFL scouting combine in February after playing at around 260 pounds during the 2025 season.
“Denver explored taking a tight end somewhat early, but the board didn’t fall that way,” Fowler wrote. “The Broncos would have considered Vanderbilt’s Eli Stowers if he made it to No. 62 (he went eight picks earlier). But fifth-rounder Justin Joly out of N.C. State can be a pass-catching weapon. The Broncos really like his tape from 2024, when he played at a lighter weight.”
Justin Joly Produced Big Numbers at Both Weights
In 2024, playing at a lighter weight, Joly had 43 receptions for 661 yards and 4 touchdowns. In 2025, he had 49 receptions for 489 yards and 7 touchdowns.
One of the things about Joly’s game that stood out over the last few years is his ability to create yards after the catch. He was 2nd in the FBS with 48 missed tackles forced over the last 4 seasons, and averaged 5.5 yards after catch.
While the Broncos might want Joly to keep his weight down, it should be pointed out that they could use that kind of production in the worst way, at whatever weight he’s at.
“Honestly, whatever they need me to do is what I’m looking forward to,” Joly told Mile High Sports. “They just said I’ve got to go out there and ball and play all over the field. I’m going to learn from the big guys and older guys, and just look forward to being there and being there with the team. Coach Payton and George Paton both believe in me. I’m looking forward to it.”
Broncos Envision Justin Joly as ‘Swiss Army Knife’
Joly spoke with DNVR’s Zac Stevens about playing for the Broncos, saying head coach Sean Payton and offensive coordinator Davis Webb envisioned him as a “Swiss Army Knife” in the offense and to “just go out there and ball … I can do it all, catching and blocking.”
“Broncos use No. 152 for TE Justin Joly,” Broncos reporter Mike Klis wrote on his official X account on April 26. “Offensive weapons continue to stack up for Bo Nix.”
ESPN’s Matt Miller correctly predicted the Broncos would select Joly in the 4th round — 1 round ahead of when he was selected.
“Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field,” NFL draft analyst Lance Zierlein wrote in his pre-draft evaluation. “Joly still needs to polish his route-running but he has the footwork and athletic traits to uncover. He doesn’t catch with much hand extension and fights throws on occasion but he makes up for it with impressive body control/catch toughness. His effort and strain as a blocker need to improve. Joly has the ability to contribute as a moveable ‘F’ tight end.”
Broncos Want Promising Rookie to Play at ‘Lighter Weight’