The Denver Broncos moved to secure North Carolina State tight end Justin Joly, trading up in the NFL Draft to add the promising prospect to their roster.

Broncos Trade for Joly in Fifth Round

Denver selected Joly with the 152nd pick in the fifth round, demonstrating a clear commitment to bolstering their tight end position. The team traded picks 170 and 182 to the Cleveland Browns to move up and secure Joly’s services.

Coach Mora’s Influence

The decision to draft Joly was significantly influenced by Colorado State coach Jim Mora Jr., who previously coached him during his time at UConn. Mora strongly recommended Joly to the Broncos’ coaching staff.

“Athletic Arrogance”

Mora believes Joly possesses an “athletic arrogance” crucial for success in the NFL. He emphasized that this confidence will be valuable despite Joly having to wait until the fifth round to hear his name called.

Joly’s Skillset and Potential

Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton were impressed by Joly’s skillset, believing he complements veteran tight end Evan Engram. Joly excels at catching the football, particularly in the red zone, and maintains exceptional concentration in coverage.

He offers versatility to the Broncos’ offense, capable of both inline blocking and functioning as a receiving threat.

From UConn to NC State

Joly’s path to the NFL began at UConn, where he received his only offer and played under Mora for two seasons. He showed early promise, recording 18 receptions for 250 yards and two touchdowns as a freshman.

A transfer to North Carolina State allowed him to further develop his skills, resulting in 92 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns over the past two seasons.

Trade Details and Joly’s Reaction

Assistant general manager Reed Burckhardt highlighted the challenge of finding a willing trade partner and agreeing on a fair value. Joly was overjoyed upon being selected, celebrating with family and friends.

He expressed gratitude for the opportunity and his eagerness to contribute to the Broncos’ offense.

Looking Ahead

Joly is scheduled to join the Broncos’ rookie class for minicamp next month. He will begin integrating into the team and preparing for the upcoming season. Mora predicts Joly’s exceptional hands – measuring over 10 inches – and ability to maintain focus while absorbing hits will translate well to the NFL.