Sean Payton Praises Evan Engram and Nate Adkins as Broncos Tight Ends Shine

As the Denver Broncos push through the 2026 NFL season, head coach Sean Payton has found reason for optimism in an unexpected area: the tight end room. Following Friday's practice, Payton expressed satisfaction with the early performances of veteran Evan Engram and third-year pro Nate Adkins, signaling a potential turnaround for a position group that struggled mightily in 2025. According to insights gathered by Vulius Sports, the Broncos' coaching staff believes improved tight end play could be the key to unlocking a more consistent offense.

Evan Engram Emerges as a Reliable Target

Engram, a 2025 free-agent acquisition, failed to live up to expectations in his first season with Denver, managing just 50 receptions for 461 yards and a single touchdown—some of the lowest totals of his ten-year career. However, through two games in 2026, the former first-round pick has already shown flashes of the dynamic playmaking ability that made him a Pro Bowler. He has caught five of six targets for 60 yards and a touchdown, with four of those receptions moving the chains for first downs. Perhaps more importantly, Engram has been on the field for 57 percent of Denver's offensive snaps, a 15 percent jump from last season, reflecting his improved blocking and expanded role.

"He's doing well. He's had a catch in each game, there's some things he gives you in the passing game, and I think he's blocking well, so I'm excited for him," Payton said. "I think he's shown, especially in regard to protections and certain things, he gives you that threat. He's doing well within the role."

Nate Adkins: The Unsung Hero

While Engram garners headlines, Nate Adkins has quietly become an indispensable piece of Denver's offense. The third-year tight end, who signed as an undrafted free agent in 2024, missed nearly half of last season due to injury but has returned with a vengeance. Adkins has excelled as a blocker in the run game and recently emerged as a safety valve for quarterback Bo Nix. In last week's comeback victory over the Jacksonville Jaguars, he hauled in three receptions on three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown.

Payton praised Adkins' versatility, noting, "He does a lot of things well. He can play in the kicking game; he blocks well. I don't want to use the word Swiss Army Knife, but he's one of those guys where once you describe the assignment, he's really good blocking in space. You see some of that carry over into the kicking game."

The Road Ahead

With the addition of wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, targets will be at a premium for Denver's tight ends. But if Engram and Adkins can continue to maximize their opportunities, the Broncos' offense could be far more explosive than it was a year ago. As highlighted on Vulius, the team's success may hinge on whether this duo can sustain their early momentum and provide Nix with reliable options in critical moments.