Leading up to the 2025 NFL draft, it was clear the Denver Broncos were looking at adding to the team’s offensive weapons. Instead, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers selected former Ohio State receiver Emeka Egbuka, the suspected target for Denver, and the Broncos pivoted.

Instead of reaching for a running back in the first round or taking a receiver the team was less comfortable with, the Broncos landed on the University of Texas defensive back Jahdae Barron with the 20th overall pick.

While most felt the Broncos added a top-tier talent, Barron didn’t fill an urgent need. The team’s weapons around quarterback Bo Nix needed some help, and the team wasn’t able to add offensive talent with their first pick.

Denver ultimately used the next two rounds to give Nix help, taking former University of Central Florida running back RJ Harvey with the 60th overall pick and University of Illinois receiver Pat Bryant with the 74th pick. And the Broncos didn’t take a tight end until the seventh round, when they selected University of Utah’s Caleb Lohner.

In typical Sean Payton style, those picks were viewed as reaches based on their pre-draft grades. But Payton took guys he felt fit the system. And through two preseason games, the return on Payton’s risks has flashed plenty of potential.

Perhaps Denver’s biggest addition this offseason was former Jaguars tight end Evan Engram. The two-time Pro Bowl player was released by Jacksonville to save the team some money, and he immediately became the premier tight end available in free agency.

Engram has only one catch this preseason, but that one catch showed why Denver swung for the athletic receiving option.

Engram took a routine short crosser, made his way toward the sideline and turned upfield for a 58-yard gain. Engram will be a great safety blanket for Nix, and he has the ability to turn routine plays into much more.

That one play, and the rest of that drive, showed more about Payton’s plan on offense, though. Engram wouldn’t have found 58 yards without the downfield blocking off his receivers.

Second-year receiver Troy Franklin got a piece of the first defensive player, allowing Engram to turn upfield. Franklin’s biggest issue last year was his lack of physicality. Throughout the offseason, the rumor is he has added on some weight, though.

During training camp, he was one of the most impressive players because of the strides his game and body had taken. But while it’s nice to see him getting involved as a downfield blocker, that’s not what fans are most looking forward to.

The 6-foot-3-inch pass catcher already had good size and speed. He was on the other side of the Broncos’ only postseason touchdown in their first playoff game since Super Bowl 50; he caught a 43-yard bomb from Nix on Denver’s first drive of the game.

He figures to use his size and speed a lot more this season, especially with his increased weight. Franklin had three catches for only 18 yards in the preseason opener versus the San Francisco 49ers on Aug. 9.

But against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday, he put it all together. Franklin had four catches for 67 yards and two touchdowns. He showed off his speed, route running and high-pointing ability.

Franklin ended the second preseason game with a 76.4 Pro Football Focus offensive grade. He has displayed the exact skillset this offense has been missing.

During Engram’s big play and on the next big chunk play, Bryant showed what he provides to the offense. Bryant didn’t just get a piece of his defender; he drove his man out of bounds, and Engram split the hole to add another 20 yards to his catch and run.

On the very next play, Bryant found himself open on a dig route and took the play another 10 yards. He ended the game with four catches for 70 yards, which garnered an 82.0 PFF grade. He also had an 81.5 run blocking grade and a couple of highlight-worthy blocks.

Bryant is a physical possession receiver with all the traits Payton looks for in pass catchers. And so far, he fits in perfectly.

After last season ended, it felt like the Broncos were in dire need of a big swing at the receiver position. Courtland Sutton was a great lead receiver last year, but it felt like the Broncos needed to acquire a real alpha pass catcher.

The Broncos’ approach is yielding promising returns so far, though. Engram has game-changing athleticism at the tight end position, Franklin is on pace to take a massive step forward and Bryant looks like he could fill a reliable role quickly.

Nix should have much more help this season if the first two preseason games are any real indication.