Denver’s open camp portion wrapped with a loud send-off after two-plus hours of Cardinals demos, setting the stage for a busy September slate. Bo Nix bounced back with decisive throws and movement, cutting past the week’s rough patch to thread passes through tight windows and connect with multiple targets, including Krull and Mims. Arizona’s Kyler Murray showed spark and quick decision-making in the live days, while Denver’s defense clamped down at times with McMillian and Barron drawing sprint-to-ball moments. Lucas Krull emerged as a notable Broncos target, while veteran leadership from Surtain II and a bevy of depth pieces hinted at a deeper, more competitive roster. The joint sessions underscored a coaching staff intent on fast-toward-tape improvement, with Payton’s praise highlighting a productive mismatch against a Cardinals squad eager to build cohesion for the preseason. The conversation after practice zigzags between clean-ups and playmakers as Denver tightens its rotation, eyes remaining on the August 23 finale in New Orleans and a defensive/receiving corps that could surprise fantasy rosters if roles solidify early.

In the run game, Denver found moments with J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey, while Bo Nix’s improved footwork and on-time delivery suggested a more stable pocket presence. Undrafted finds Jerjuan Newton and Joaquin Davis impressed with contested catches and competitive edge, bolstering depth at receiver. On defense, Ja’Quan McMillian and Pat Surtain II drew attention for takeaways and tight coverage, though consistency will hinge on film study. Arizona’s Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kyler Murray flashed enough veteran timing to keep defenses honest, with Krull’s progress at tight end offering a potential mid-round surprise for Denver’s depth chart. The summit vibe between Manning, Murray, and Payton underlined the cross-pollination of West-based camps, a reminder that tape will drive the ladder of roster moves all through August.

Lucas Krull’s eight-yard TD in Denver’s preseason meeting with San Francisco highlighted a pivotal moment in the Broncos’ tight end competition. Krull, undrafted in 2022, clawed his way from Saints practice squad to Denver a year later and has logged eight receptions for 95 yards with one score in his rookie Denver season, followed by 19 receptions for 152 yards last year. The play showcased his potential upside in red-zone and seam roles if opportunity arises in a crowded TE room, underscoring how Denver will trim to a 53-man roster.

The score came from Jarrett Stidham, who delivered a pinpoint throw to Krull after the tight end slipped uncovered in the back-left corner of the end zone. It’s a snapshot of how the Broncos are evaluating young pass-catchers and QB-WR/TE chemistry in the build-up to Week 1, with Krull positioned as a real camp challenger for a seasonal role. The dynamic foreshadows the broader TE competition as Denver aims to maximize depth and potential mismatch options behind the established names.

Krull’s path hinges on health and opportunity. If he can seize a meaningful role, he could become a late-round fantasy dart in best-ball formats or a dynasty sleeper with upside if the offense leans into two-TE sets. For now, the takeaway is clear: the Broncos are watching Krull closely in a high-stakes roster battle, and a standout preseason moment could tip the scales in his favor as the final cuts loom.

Lucas Krull, standing 6'6 and weighing 260 pounds, is a tight end for the Denver Broncos looking to make an impact in the upcoming season. Krull's unusual journey began in baseball, where he was drafted by the San Francisco Giants, before he pivoted to football, playing at notable colleges like Florida and Pittsburgh. After going undrafted, he joined the New Orleans Saints but transitioned to the Broncos' practice squad after being waived. With the tight end position often demanding versatility and strong blocking skills, Krull aims to prove his worth and secure a more prominent role in the offense this year.

The Denver Broncos are gearing up for the 2025 season with a tight end roster that includes six players: Nate Adkins, Evan Engram, Lucas Krull, Caleb Lohner, Caden Prieskorn, and Adam Trautman. Historically, the Broncos have kept four tight ends on their initial 53-man roster under head coach Sean Payton, a trend likely to continue this year.

Evan Engram stands out as a key player, bringing both experience and explosive athleticism, crucial for the development of the team's young quarterback. Engram's unique role as a 'Joker' tight end allows him to function effectively as a jumbo receiver or a traditional slot wideout, providing Denver's offense with a much-needed dynamic. Veteran Adam Trautman has also proven reliable, playing over 50% of offensive snaps in recent seasons, while younger players like Adkins, Lohner, and Krull will vie for the remaining roster spots.

Devon Key has been signed by the Denver Broncos to a one-year exclusive rights free agent tender worth $960,000. Key, a safety standing at 6-0 and weighing 208 pounds, entered the league as an undrafted free agent with the Kansas City Chiefs in 2021. After a brief period with the Atlanta Falcons, he joined the Broncos' practice squad in 2022. In the most recent season, Key showed his potential by appearing in all 17 games, making two starts, accumulating 33 tackles, and securing one sack.

Alongside Key, the Broncos have also extended ERFA tenders to other players including cornerback Ja'Quan McMillian, outside linebacker Dondrea Tillman, tight end Lucas Krull, and defensive lineman Jordan Jackson. Key's performance last season positioned him as a valuable rotational player, reflecting the Broncos' strategy of retaining young talents to solidify their defense.