For the Denver Broncos, the tight end conversation is starting to look less like a question mark and more like a role-by-role evaluation. That may not sound dramatic, but in a league where depth pieces often decide whether an offense stays on schedule, it matters. Nate Adkins has given Sean Payton something useful early in the 2026 season: a tight end who can help in the passing game, hold up as a blocker and contribute on special teams.
That combination has made Adkins one of the more encouraging early developments for a Broncos offense that wanted more from its tight end group. Last season, the team did not get much big-play production from the position. This year, the picture is already different enough to notice. Evan Engram signed with the Broncos in the 2025 offseason and has been productive in two games, catching five of six targets for 60 yards and a touchdown. But Adkins has also carved out a meaningful place in the rotation.
Last week against the Jaguars, the third-year tight end delivered three receptions on three targets for 32 yards and a touchdown. That kind of line does not usually create a headline by itself, but it fits neatly into the broader point Payton is making about him: Adkins is doing the little things that keep him on the field. He has been useful in protections, reliable in space and steady enough to help Denver in the kicking game as well.
Payton’s view of Adkins
Payton’s praise was straightforward. He said Adkins does a lot of things well, including playing in the kicking game and blocking effectively. He also pointed to how well Adkins handles his assignment once it is defined, especially when asked to block in space. The coach’s message was not that Adkins is a featured weapon. It was that he is a trustworthy one, and that distinction matters in a system that values versatility.
Payton also said Adkins is doing well within his role, noting that he has caught a pass in each game and has given the offense something in the passing game while also blocking well. That balance is what has helped him earn more responsibility. It is also what keeps him relevant even as Denver continues to sort out how the tight end group will function over a full season.
There is still a broader question here. If the Broncos want a major jump from the position, they will need more than solid depth contributions. Engram’s presence gives them more receiving ability, and Payton said his improved blocking has helped him earn more reps in the run game. But Adkins has become part of the answer, not just part of the background. For a team trying to raise the floor of its offense, that is real progress.
The bigger takeaway is simple: Nate Adkins is not just surviving in Denver’s offense, he is fitting into it. And when a third-year tight end can do that while helping on offense and special teams, a coach like Sean Payton is going to notice.
