The Broncos selected Joly in the fifth round of the NFL Draft from North Carolina State, and he will compete for a role on offense this season. Joly is not worth drafting in most seasonal leagues, and he is a late-round flier in rookie-only drafts for Dynasty leagues. Joly could eventually replace Evan Engram in 2027, and Joly played well for the Wolfpack in 2025 with 49 catches for 489 yards and seven touchdowns in 12 games. In 2026, Engram should still lead all Denver tight ends in production, and Joly's role will likely be minimal in his rookie campaign.
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Broncos' Justin Joly: Stands out with big TD
Rotowire
Joly secured both targets for 95 yards and a touchdown in the Broncos' 34-6 preseason win over the Vikings on Friday.
The rookie fifth-round pick flashed his speed on an 88-yard touchdown grab in the fourth quarter, a play on which Joly motored the final 50 yards to the end zone after getting wide open in the middle of the field. Joly finished preseason with a 5-105-1 line over three games, and his big-play upside could help him progressively carve out more opportunity behind Evan Engram and Adam Trautman as the regular season unfolds.
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Broncos' Justin Joly: Catches pair of targets
Rotowire
Joly caught both of his targets for 10 yards in Friday's preseason game against the Packers.
Joly played just eight offensive snaps, meaning he was targeted 25 percent of the time he was on the field. The rookie fifth-rounder continues to make his case for one of the three primary tight end slots on the Broncos' 53-man roster. The low amount of snaps further implies Joly has played his way into a valuable position.
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Broncos' Justin Joly: Taken by Broncos
Rotowire
Denver selected Joly in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft, 152nd overall.
Joly spent the last two years of his four-year college career at NC State, and he was named to the All-ACC First-Team in 2025 after catching 49 passes for 489 yards and seven touchdowns across 12 games. Joly was mostly detached from the offensive line with NC State and lined up primarily in the slot, making him a mismatch when lined up against opposing secondaries. His 6-foot-3 frame and large, strong hands helps him finish catches regardless of coverage, and he could earn himself regular snaps on offense if he can be more consistent as a blocker. Evan Engram leads the Broncos' tight end room, so Joly is set to compete against Adam Trautman and Nate Adkins for snaps as the TE2 and in 12-man personnel.
