Broncos Trade Up for Versatile TE Justin Joly

0:00On April 25th, the Denver Broncos traded up in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft to grab North Carolina State tight-in Justin Jolie at pick number 152. They sent their fifth rounder at 170 and a sixth round pick at 182 from the Buffalo Bills to the Cleveland Browns to make it happen. Tight-ins were flying off the board early, so they jumped in before it got too late. The position started thinning after guys like Nate Bohr-Curture and Max Clare went in round two in Matthew Hivner in round four. Broncos stuck with the same tight-in crew from last year by resigning Adam Trautman, Nate Adkins, and Lucas Crowe. But after a rough year from free agent Evan Ingram, they needed fresh legs. Fans are buzzing about Jolie's fit. He's 6'3", 241 pounds, but moves like a wide receiver with real mismatch potential. He calls himself an army knife for his versatility, perfect for Sean Payne to line up anywhere and hit the red zone. College ball a Yukon, then NC State, netted him 92 catches and 11 touchdowns over two seasons.

1:04This aggressive trade-up fills a key gap after they missed on inside linebackers earlier. Jolie brings that athletic spark they eyed in guys like Eli Stowers, who went earlier. Solid beat plus move that boosts their flexibility without overhauling the room. Overall, Broncos nailed their needs in this draft, turning a thin spot into a strength watch for Jolie to shine and camp.