With the 20th pick the Denver Broncos pick TE Noah Fant out of Iowa
The Denver Broncos tried a few seasons ago with Jake Butt and it seems they’ve decided that it’s time to move on. Although they couldn’t land TJ Hockenson from Iowa, they went out and landed the largest matchup problem of a tight end this draft has to offer. I’ve watched Noah Fant play for multiple seasons now and the kid is spectacular. He lit up the red zone in 2017 with 11 scores and he built onto his impressive career with more receptions and more yards in his senior season.
Fant is a phenomenal athlete and played a variety of sports throughout his career including basketball, football, and field events. He’s got great speed to create separation and can work anywhere in the field. While at Iowa, every fourth pass thrown to him was a touchdown and his catch radius is about as good as it gets for any player entering the NFL.
Most of his issues exist as a blocker. He lacks the strength to really attack an opposing rusher and has a thin lower body that prevents him from making good backside blocks. While he’s an excellent receiver, he has to get better at running routes and making decoy plays seem more believable instead of letting linebackers know early.
Fantasy Impact of Noah Fant
Just three seasons ago, the Denver Broncos were using Owen Daniels left and right as he finished up with 500+ receiving yards and 40+ receptions. GM’s don’t take tight ends in the first round if they don’t expect their coaches to use them heavily. Denver needs that inside threat as they look to move towards Courtland Sutton and Emanuel Sanders being the top dogs.
Fant has to battle it out with Jeff Heuerman who left much to be desired a season ago. I see him going in the earlier rounds of Dynasty drafts while also needing more of a prove it year from redraft leaguers. But given the production I’ve seen from him over the years, it’s hard for me to tell you not to take a chance on him year one as a feature red zone piece for Joe Flacco.
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