Who Should I Start? Evan Engram or Jeremy Ruckert

Friday, May 1, 9:25 AM

Denver Broncos tight end Evan Engram remains atop the depth chart after the team didn't select any other tight ends until Day 3 of the 2026 NFL Draft. Engram was held to just 50 catches for 461 yards and one touchdown last year, posting the worst per-game averages of his nine-year career. It was a frustrating transition to Denver after Engram had been a top-five tight end in two of his three years with the Jaguars. A lot of people expected Engram to have a big role in head coach Sean Payton's offense, so it was concerning to see him finish as the TE29 last year. That outcome raised questions about his fantasy outlook going forward, but the Broncos' front office hinted that Engram will be far more involved in 2026. Additionally, the team didn't bring in any competition in free agency, and they waited until the fifth round to select NC State tight end prospect Justin Joly. With Day 3 draft capital, it will take a while for Joly to compete with Engram, if that ever happens at all. Engram remains the clear-cut No. 1 tight end in Denver, so now, he just needs to perform like one. There's still top-12 upside here if he's as involved as the Broncos have been hinting.