Max Klare: Broncos' Passing Game Upgrade

0:00On April 8, Max Claire is a tight-end prospect drawing eyes from the Denver Broncos ahead of the draft. This guy's got football in his veins from his grandfather's era, started as a three-star recruit who flipped from Duke to Purdue for three years, then transferred to Ohio State. Over his college career, he lodged 1,336 offensive snaps, but only about half as a blocker, focusing mostly on receiving with 94 catches on 129 targets in his last two seasons. What stands out is his athleticism. He moves smooth with a solid frame that eats up physical play. His route running pops better than some wideouts in this class, with great body control to snag passes without breaking stride or losing separation. He flashes speed down the seams, forces defenses to match him with corners instead of linebackers, and fights for yards after the catch. That said, blocking his weak spot, he lacks the strength to hold up in line, and his hand placement gets swattered away easy.

1:01Hands aren't elite either. He battles the ball sometimes, leading to drops or laid adjustments that worked in college, but might not in the pros. Plus, three fumbles on those catches raised flags for a guy meant to be a sure-handed outlet. For the Broncos, Claire fits as a move tight-end or big slot weapon, not your traditional blocker. They need an upgrade there over Evan Ingram, who's in his final contract year, and Claire's traits could exploit mismatches even if inline works stays A. Question mark, Broncos fans, keep watching this one. His upside in the passing game could shake up their tight-end room if they grab him right. That's your NFL News Today update. AI powered and always on.