Full Breakdown
Denver Broncos Trade Up for Tight End Justin Joly to Bolster Bo Nix’s Offense
4/26/2026, 1:41:33 PM
Day-3 Trade-Up: Pick No. 152 from Cleveland
On April 25, 2026 the Broncos traded their fifth-round No. 170 and sixth-round No. 182 picks to the Browns for the Browns’ No. 152 selection, which they used on North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly after he fell to the fifth round.
Building Around Bo Nix
The move follows Denver’s Day-3 focus on reinforcing quarterback Bo Nix’s offense, adding running back Jonah Coleman (No. 108) and offensive lineman Kage Casey (No. 111) after a Day-2 defensive pick of Tyler Onyedim. The three offensive selections were marketed as weapons for Nix and a future protector for his pocket.
Justin Joly: Production and Scouting
Joly transferred from UConn to NC State, finishing with 166 receptions for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns (some reports list 148 catches, 1,728 yards, 13 TDs). He ranked 14th among tight ends at the February combine. Scout Lance Zierlein called him an “Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field,” noting he must improve route-running and blocking.
Official Team Outlook
Head coach Sean Payton said Joly fits a “moveable ‘F’ tight end” role that can complement veteran Evan Engram and serve as a 2027 succession plan. GM George Paton emphasized the draft class adds depth, allowing the Broncos “to take their time developing” players. The team also re-signed tight ends Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins.
Criticism & Development Concerns
Analysts note Joly “isn’t a blocker,” limiting him to a situational receiving role. The absence of a first-round pick this year raises concerns about the team’s reliance on later-round development for impact players.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Undersized pass-catcher with the ability to expand the route tree and challenge man coverage around the field,” — Lance Zierlein, scout
- “Swiss Army Knife. I feel like there’s a lot of things they think I can do, between the backfield, slot,” — Justin Joly, tight end
- “I always feel like my hands work really well and I'm a security blanket for my quarterback,” — Justin Joly
- “He's a guy who I try to model my own game after," Casey said in his media conference call.” — Kage Casey, offensive lineman
Why It Matters
Joly provides a high-upside receiving option, giving Nix a “security blanket” and expanding formation flexibility. His skill set supports Denver’s plan to use multiple tight-end sets and eventually replace Engram.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Sources differ on Joly’s career totals—166 catches for 1,978 yards/15 TDs versus 148 catches for 1,728 yards/13 TDs. No official clarification has been issued.
What’s Next
Joly reports to rookie minicamp in May for blocking evaluation. Denver retains three seventh-round picks, indicating further depth moves before the season.
