Denver Broncos: Jeff Heuerman could be gem of 2015 draft class

When it comes to the Denver Broncos, first round pass rusher, Shane Ray, may get more of the headlines and second round right tackle, Ty Sambrailo, may have a more immediate impact, but it’s third round selection, Ohio State tight end, Jeff Heuerman that I’m most anxious to see on the field.Heuerman was the fourth tight end selected in the 2015 draft with the 97th overall selection. Pro Football Scout had the Ohio State product as their third best tight end and 92nd overall prospect.

The 2014 statistics were ultimately disappointing for Heuerman. Hindered throughout the season by a foot injury, the 6’5, 253 pound senior, managed just 17 catches for 200 yards and two touchdowns. But the stats downplay the role Heuerman played for the eventual national champions. The three year starter was named an offensive captain for the 2014 season and made his name as arguably the best blocking tight end in the 2015 draft class.

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Far from being a strict blocker Heuerman is an exceptional athlete. Though he’s not a burner, he clocked a solid 4.8 in the 40 yard dash at his pro day, and is deceptively smooth in his routes; he also has an impressive 34.5 inch vertical jump and big, strong hands to go up and compete for the ball in the end zone. Heuerman isn’t the dynamic, playmaking, ‘move’ tight end Julius Thomas was for Denver the past few seasons, but he’s a much better fit for Gary Kubiak’s system which relies on it’s tight ends to be effective blockers as much as receivers.

Due to his blocking prowess, Heuerman proves especially deadly on play action passes (which feature heavily in Kubiak’s offense.) He’ll come off the line like a blocker, sending safeties and linebackers scrambling to catch the running back or to cover a receiver; by the time they realize their mistake, Heuerman is 20 yards downfield with the football in his hands.

There’s more to like about Heuerman than just what he can do on the field; he also sets a positive example off the field. Despite being a part of the 2014 national championship team and an undefeated 2012 team, Heuerman has kept a workman like attitude:

In the lead up to the 2013 season, with the team receiving a lot of national attention and Heuerman himself named to the preseason watch list for the Mackey award, (given to the top tight end in the FBS,) Heuerman didn’t give in to the hype: “Being talked about during the offseason is great, but it doesn’t get you anywhere– you have to show you’re worth the talk.”

That attitude should be especially appealing to a Broncos team that should once again find itself among the preseason Super Bowl favorites and knows all too well that preseason hype, and even regular season success don’t necessarily translate to championships.

The ceiling is high for Heuerman, but as I eluded to earlier in the article, Broncos fans may not see an immediate impact on the stat sheet. The Broncos already have a promising tight end duo in veteran Owen Daniels and potential breakout candidate Virgil Green. And Kubiak favorite James Casey is also on squad giving Heuerman a good mix of competition and veteran mentors.

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Jeff Heuerman (5) hoists the College Football Playoff trophy after the game against Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Due to his ability to contribute as a blocker, Owen Daniels’ age (32) and a desire to get Virgil Green more involved in the passing game Heuerman should see some snaps in two tight end sets and around the goal-line.

He could also see time as a full or H-back as he excels at taking defenders out of running lanes and is quick enough and sure handed enough to act as a check down out of the backfield.

In terms of a pro comparison, Heuerman is more likely the next Heath Miller than the next Rob Gronkowski. For now he is a promising young tight end, with strong hands and a stronger work ethic.

He’ll need to prove he can stay healthy and provide a coverage mismatch against NFL defenses, but the future looks bright for Heuerman and the Broncos; who could find themselves relying on the young former Buckeye to help break in a new signal caller, once Peyton Manning calls it a career.

Next: Broncos Draft Grades

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