Evan Engram Will Elevate Broncos Offense as the Joker

“The Joker” Role: A Mismatch Nightmare Payton’s System

Sean Payton has anointed Engram as the “Joker” in his offense. This role demands a versatile, mismatch-creating weapon. Engram’s speed is elite for a tight end and gives him an edge in the “joker” role. He can line up in the slot, in-line, or even in the backfield.

In 2023 with Jacksonville, he led all tight ends with 112 slot receptions for 957 yards, while his 2.1 yards per route run ranked fifth among tight ends, per NFL Next Gen Stats.

Denver’s tight ends ran 52.3% of routes from the slot in 2024, the fifth-highest in the NFL. Engram’s speed overwhelms linebackers, while his 6-foot-3, 240-pound frame challenges defensive backs. Payton’s success with Jimmy Graham in New Orleans offers a blueprint for what Engram could be. His ability to stretch seams vertically opens the field.

Coach Sean Payton sees Engram as a “passing threat on third down and [in the] red zone”—a role that could make him the centerpiece of Denver’s passing attack. His 33.2% target completion rate per route run in 2024 demonstrates his ability to command attention, and Engram’s versatility could redefine how defenses approach the Broncos.

A Safety Valve for Nix’s Growth

Tight ends were a weak link for the Broncos in 2024. Adam Trautman had just 188 yards, and Lucas Krull managed 19 receptions. Denver has been lacking a dynamic tight end for years to be a safety valve.

Evan Engram brings a proven track record. He recorded 114 receptions on 143 targets, the most in the league that year, for 963 yards in 2023, adding a Pro Bowl selection. The year before, he tallied 73 receptions for 773 yards on 93 targets. In 2024, limited by injuries, he had just 47 receptions for 365 yards in nine games. 

In the Broncos’ second preseason game, Engram hauled in a monster 58-yard reception, where he caught the ball and broke through defenders, showcasing his YAC ability. Engram’s quickness creates those chunk plays.

Nix thrived with tight ends at Oregon and in his rookie season. Sean Payton should make use of Engram and play to his strengths, making him a deadly weapon for Nix to utilize. His chemistry with Engram shone in training camp.

Engram could be Nix’s No. 2 target behind Sutton, and this reliability will boost Nix’s confidence and efficiency.

Navigating a Thin Target Hierarchy

Courtland Sutton led the Broncos with 81 receptions for 1,081 yards in 2024. After Denver traded away Jerry Jeudy, there was a void to be filled. Still, Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin combined for just under 80 catches and are expected to be Denver’s wide receivers two and three heading into the year. 

With Denver trading wide receiver Devaughn Vele recently, another 52 targets have become vacant for Engram to grab. Sean Payton used two-tight-end sets on 13% of snaps in 2024, which should benefit Engram.

Training camp hinted at a shift toward heavier use of 12 personnel, a package in which Bo Nix excelled at Oregon with a 120 passer rating. In Denver, this alignment could showcase Engram’s ability to stretch defenses vertically, creating more room for Marvin Mims Jr. and Troy Franklin to operate underneath.

By drawing safeties deep, Engram not only alleviates pressure on the young receivers but also opens passing lanes for the running backs for potential checkdowns and short routes. Ultimately, Engram’s presence has the potential to reshape Denver’s passing game and elevate the offense to be among the best in the NFL. 

Engram’s Injury Concerns

Engram’s major red flag seems to be his injury history, which raises serious concerns. He missed eight games in 2024 with hamstring and shoulder issues, which hindered his production. His yards per route run ranked 17th among tight ends that year. poor quarterback play in Jacksonville also hampered his production and limited him from being the elite tight end the NFL world knows him to be. Bo Nix offers a clear upgrade at quarterback.

However, staying healthy is absolutely critical for Engram, and he needs a whole season to achieve career-best numbers. His durability will determine his overall impact, and his history of soft-tissue injuries will require careful management. 

Conclusion 

Evan Engram has the potential to redefine Denver’s offense, particularly through his unique “Joker” role, which creates mismatches across the field and provides Bo Nix with a reliable safety valve.

Consequently, any of the Broncos’ struggles on third down and in the red zone could diminish significantly with Engram on the field. While his injury history remains a concern, his upside is undeniable, making him an attractive late-round TE1 option for fantasy managers.

Moreover, Engram’s speed and versatility not only stretch defenses vertically but also open opportunities for receivers underneath, allowing Payton’s creative play-calling to maximize his impact.

If he stays healthy, Engram’s chemistry with Nix could spark a dynamic attack that elevates the entire offense and positions Denver for a deep playoff run, suggesting that a breakout season is well within reach.