Broncos tight end Adam Trautman developed a name for himself during training camp.
It started when he was listed ahead of Greg Dulcich on the depth chart. Then he made everyone’s jaws drop when he made a one-handed touchdown catch in double coverage last week at practice.
In Denver’s offense, coordinator Joe Lombardi views Trautman as a “quarterback-friendly” tight end. He might not have the speed of Dulcich or Albert Okwuegbunam, but the quarterback knows exactly what to expect from him.
Russell Wilson seemed to agree.
“(Trautman) is a true pro,” the 34-year-old quarterback said. “He’s consistent every day. He has tremendous hands (and) can do it all.”
Trautman was a draft day acquisition, picked up by Denver for a sixth-round pick during the NFL draft in April. At the time, head coach Sean Payton called the move “just as exciting” as drafting a player since he had a clear vision for Trautman’s role on offense.
As the regular season draws near, the vision for Trautman has been fully realized.
“The one thing that is interesting about this tight end group is that there are some clear roles that you can see,” Payton said. “Adam is the one guy out here who does a good, solid job at blocking, and he gives you some flexibility within the route tree.”
Trautman didn’t take long to find comfort in Denver. As the team was in the installation period, he felt like he was back in New Orleans since Payton did so many similar things. “I’ve done this for three straight years,” he said. “Itap a huge advantage.”
He takes pride in being a versatile player who is impactful in the run and pass game. The fourth-year tight end has worked to be someone that each quarterback can trust, knowing how they get the ball out, analyzing the defense and understanding his fit on offense.
While Trautman has flashed his ability as a pass catcher, his blocking skills will be even more valuable this season. Through training camp and two preseason games, the Broncos have shown they will run the rock.
Denver has worked on run-centric formations such as 12 personnel (two tight ends and a running back) and 21 personnel (two running backs and a tight end). Against the San Francisco 49ers, the Broncos’ starting offense featured Trautman, running back Javonte Williams and fullback Michael Burton.
Part of Denver’s success in running the football this season will come down to Trautman and veteran tight end Chris Manhertz getting their hands dirty up front.
“You can have a lot of things going for you relative to running the football, but you end up playing jumbo tackles if you don’t have a blocking tight end,” Payton said.
Trautman’s rise to the top of the roster doesn’t diminish Dulcich’s role on the team. Payton was clear that every tight end will play, as he has a plan for each one.
Trautman wants do it all.
“Thatap what I ultimately want to be as a player,” Trautman said. “Our tight end room is very multifaceted, but once we get to the season, we’ll see how it shakes out for each of us.”
Want more Broncos news? Sign up for the Broncos Insider to get all our NFL analysis.
