The Broncos already have a receiving tight end in Noah Fant. This offseason, Denver brought in Nick Vannett to serve primarily as a blocking tight end.
Vannett has embraced his not-so-glamorous role.
“I’m not really considered the deep threat or the burner to take the top off the defense,” Vannett said during a conference call with reporters on April 3. “That’s not really my game. I consider myself to be a good two-way player. Someone who can be effective in the run game, to handle blocks and to create holes and gaps in the running game. Even in the short intermediate pass game we can run precise routes, get open and create mismatches.”
Vannett can catch — he owns 61 career receptions for 591 yards and four touchdowns — but that won’t be his primary job.
“I think they’re just looking for me to come in and just be effective in the run game,” Vannett said. “I don’t know exactly what they’re planning this year, but by seeing them signing Melvin Gordon and kind of adding some more depth in the running back room, I think they’re going to really make the run game a big part of the offense this year. I think they’re just looking for guys to kind of come in and do an effective job at blocking and really helping out in the run game.”
By adding players like Gordon and Vannett to the offense, Denver has made it clear that offensive coordinator Pat Shurmur plans to run early and often in 2020. That will take some pressure off second-year quarterback Drew Lock, which should bode well for the offense.
