When the Denver Broncos made the move down to the 20th pick in the draft, they took Noah Fant, and most people were thrilled. Broncos Country has been pining for a weapon at tight end, and this could be the answer to those prayers. However, PFF’s Mike Renner said on 1st and 10 on Orange and Blue 760 that he was not impressed with the pick.
When he joined Ryan Edwards, Andrew Mason, and Steve Atwater he was immediately asked about his position. In his explanation he mentioned that Fant was, “... more of a gadget weapon at this point...” who won’t have the impact of players like George Kittle or Travis Kelce right away.
That being said, Renner does mention that Fant is a perfect fit for a Rich Scangarello (Shanahan coaching tree) offense. He may not be a high volume receiver, but will have an impact on the line. He will also be used in crossing routes on play action. It seems that Fant is a fit for this offense, but Renner isn’t sold on the pick at 20.
With the troubles at tight end since the departure of Julius Thomas, Fant seemed like a great pick for the Broncos. Mike Renner’s take aside, Denver has struggled with filling a couple holes. The tight end position has been one of the most difficult to fill. Elway and his staff were able to navigate the draft well, and they came away with the tight end that most had as the number 2 in the draft. I think it was a win.