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By now you've heard the big news: Denver exchanged some late round picks with San Francisco for two-time Pro Bowl tight end Vernon Davis earlier this week. He arrived yesterday, and he'll wear No. 80 with the Broncos.
The experts agree that the addition of Davis gives Denver's offense more versatility, and it's no surprise that Davis is especially excited about teaming up with Peyton Manning—the same Manning that turned Julius Thomas into a super star.
All of the above means that we should all go add Davis in fantasy football, right?
Not so fast, folks.
#49ers #Broncos note: big concern is how much of a new O can Vernon Davis learn on the fly? His football IQ is not highly regarded.
— Andy Benoit (@Andy_Benoit) November 3, 2015
Can Davis play right away, as soon as this weekend? Yes, of course. But should we expect him to see the most snaps at tight end and be a key part of the offense? Initially, probably not.
#49ers beat writers & #NFL insiders I talk to believe it's going to take about a month for #Broncos Vernon Davis to get up to speed.
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) November 3, 2015
Early expectations for Davis should probably be tempered until he has a "fair command of the offense."
Regardless of how long it takes Davis to become truly comfortable with the offense, he's here, and he can make an impact immediately. On deck for Denver: a showdown with the Colts, who have allowed 45 receptions for 507 yards and 3 scores to tight ends this season.
That's a pretty ideal defense for a tight end to make a debut against.