Denver Broncos: 3 Things to watch in Preseason Week 2

By Randy Gurzi | Aug 16, 2018

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Case Keenum #4 of the Denver Broncos runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

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DETROIT, MI – SEPTEMBER 10: Tight end Jake Butt #88 of the Michigan Wolverines scores a touchdown in the second quarter in front of defensive back Shaquill Griffin #10 of the UCF Knights during a college football game at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Dave Reginek/Getty Images) /

3. Can Jake Butt make a leap?

A guy who could end up being the best story for Denver this season is second-year tight end Jake Butt. Formerly a star at Michigan, Butt fell to the fifth-round in the 2017 NFL Draft after he tore his ACL in the 2016 Orange Bowl.

Just like former Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith — who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in 2016 — Butt wound up redshirting his rookie season as he tried to get healthy. Smith ended up playing all 16 games last season and was a feel-good story, which could be the case for the athletic tight end in 2018.

Butt did get on the field this past week, however, he didn’t get any receptions. While with the Wolverines, he was able to haul passes in regularly. He recorded 51 receptions for 654 yards as a junior and 46 catches for 546 yards as a senior.

With solid weapons at wide receiver, Butt could open up the middle of the offense and give Case Keenum a great safety valve to dump passes off to. This coming Saturday against Chicago could be the first time we really see the Michigan star in action for more than a year.

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