Can Denver Broncos third round TE Greg Dulcich replace Noah Fant – Denver Broncos Blog

ENGLEWOOD COLO. — Hidden in the fine print of the blockbuster deal for the acquisition of quarterback Russell WilsonThe team-leading 68 receptions, 670 yard and four touchdowns was his record. Denver Broncos‘ tight end Noah FantTook him to Seattle.

Five draft picks were made by the Broncos: two first-rounders, two second-rounders and three players. Fant was also included. Drew LockProtective and defensive end Shelby HarrisThe Seahawks finally have a solution for their quarterback issues. Fant’s departure was the most urgent need during the draft.

“From a tight-end standpoint, those guys can do so many things because they are unique and dynamic,” explained Nathaniel Hackett, Broncos coach.

Enter tight end Greg DulcichThird-round pick by the Broncos. Dulcich averaged 17.3 yards per reception over his UCLA career, with a strong 19.9 yards per catch in 2020.

Hackett stated, “When you have someone that can stretch the field like this, it’s really thrilling.” “From all the stuff — it is not just the intermediate stuff, but the things really down the field.”

As the pre-draft process progressed, the former Bruins walk on moved up to the top of team’s draft boards. Although his timed pace (4.69 in the 40 yard dash at the Scouting Combine) was slower than those of other top prospects at that position, he created space to work for himself and powered through contact to get to the ball.

Dulcich declared, “I think that my speed has definitely been elite.” You should watch the film. I’m getting great separation. … It’s my experience as an receiver which helps a lot. I also learned the fundamentals to separate from men.

Dulcich was nearly selected by the Broncos with No. 75 pick, but George Paton, the general manager wanted more picks in 2023. Paton moved to No. 80 in a deal with the Houston TexansThat resulted in a fifth round pick in 2022 and in a third-round choice in 2023.

After some tension, the Broncos chose Dulcich when it was time to make their decision.

Paton stated that he had to accept the trade in order to gain two picks. “We looked at teams ahead of ourselves and found that none needed tight ends. That’s how you look at the teams ahead of you — “Do they require tight ends?”

The Broncos will distribute the ball more efficiently to their wide receivers with Wilson as quarterback and Hackett calling plays. It’s unlikely that a tight end will lead the team in receptions like Fant. Hackett also spoke out about the important role that tight ends will play on the team.

Albert OkwuegbunamDulcich gives the Broncos Dulcich, a potential pass-catching tight end who can run past linebackers to overpower safeties. The 6-foot-6, 263-pound addition to the team is Dulcich Eric TomlinsonIn free agency, a player who has had 18 career catches in six seasons prior to this season, gives the Broncos a tight-end blocker.

Tomlinson stated, “I’ll do what they ask me to.” “If they ask me to do something, I take a lot pride in it and I’ll do everything down.”

Dulcich was ranked as the league’s tightest end. These teams believed that he could immediately contribute as a receiver but that he would need more time and strength to be able to handle all blocking duties. Dulcich was slightly hesitant when asked about his blocking skills during the draft. He told pre-draft interviews that he could and would improve.

Hackett said, “I believe everyone once they get to this league where you’re blocking some very dynamic football players, they can always get a lot more.” Hackett said that the best thing about him was the kind of person he is. He was a complete beginner when he reached the end of the room. However, he managed to fight his way through and proved very productive. He doesn’t seem to be afraid of hard work.

Dulcich was a close friend of the Broncos general manager before Paton made Dulcich a Broncos draft pick. Dulcich was a student at St. Francis High School, Glendale, California. He played for Jim Bonds, Paton’s roommate at UCLA.

“Jimmy was taken from us a few years back.” Paton stated.[But]”I know he’s looking down at me, that’s for certain.”

Dulcich is now part of the growing number of Broncos that have received FaceTime calls by Wilson to set the expectations. Wilson welcomed Dulcich shortly after the Broncos drafted him as their second selection.

Dulcich said, “It’s amazing to get a FaceTime from Russ.” “I was like, This is a Hall of Fame man, this is him, and he’s just faceTiming me. That was just an honor. … [Okwuegbunam]I was notified by him. It was great to be with him and other guys. It’s very exciting.”