Broncos roster: TE Adam Trautman (No. 82) underappreciated among fans

Broncos Wire's 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at sixth-year tight end Adam Trautman, No. 82.

Before the Broncos: Trautman (6-5, 253 pounds) was selected out of Dayton by the New Orleans Saints in the third round (105th overall) in the 2020 NFL draft. Trautman began his career with coach Sean Payton from 2020-22, playing in 43 games (28 starts), catching 60 passes for 641 yards and four touchdowns in New Orleans. During the 2023 NFL draft, the Denver Broncos traded the 195th overall pick to the Saints in exchange for Trautman and a seventh-round pick (that pick parlayed into center Alex Forsyth).

Broncos tenure: Trautman began playing for Payton again, playing in all 17 games in 2023, starting 12 of them. Trautman caught 22 passes for 204 yards and three touchdowns in his first season in Denver.

During his second season, Trautman started 14 of 17 games played in, catching 13 passes for 188 yards and two touchdowns. Trautman's most impressive catch of the season came against the Carolina Panthers, snagging a one-handed touchdown. His receiving numbers don't jump off the page, but Trautman is a key blocker in Payton's offense.

Chances to make the 53-man roster: High. The Broncos' tight end room is thin, but Trautman is reliable. We'll likely see Trautman in two tight end sets across from free agent signee Evan Engram, who will serve as the team's top receiving threat at the position. Trautman figures to remain a block-first option for the offense. It's not a flashy role, but he is a key part of the offense.

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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Adam Trautman a key blocker in Sean Payton's offense