Justin Joly NFL Draft 2026 Scouting Report for Denver Broncos TE

The Denver Broncos selected NC State TE Justin Joly with the No. 152 overall pick in the 2026 NFL draft.

Justin Joly has incredibly strong hands with an impressive catch radius to be a weapon at tight end. He's a tactician running routes and brings a workman's mentality after the catch.

The former 2-star recruit and UConn transfer set career-highs this past season in catches (49) and touchdown receptions (seven), but didn't create the same explosive impact from 2024 when he averaged nearly 15.5 yards per reception. Instead, the first-team All-ACC performer became a security blanket for an underwhelming North Carolina State offense and showcased his playmaking ability.

A smooth-moving chess piece, Joly will line up all over a formation, adding as a move-blocker in the run game, and is a surprising pass protector.

Dan has covered the Kansas City Chiefs and the NFL Draft since 2019 while contributing for RGR Football. Most recently, he spent the 2025 draft cycle at The Draft Network and is entering his first season in our scouting department.

Highlights

Justin Joly highlights

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Where He Wins

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— While predominantly used as a detached tight end, Joly creates mismatch opportunities from multiple alignments, while adding value as a blocker.

— The 6'3", 241-pound tight end shows off excellent manipulation tactics at the top of his routes to move defenders where he wants.

— His receiving prowess extends to recognizing zone defense and reading leverage to settle and exploit soft spots. He's a smart player with a physical presence after the catch, too.

— Joly has fantastic hands. His ball skills and catch radius make him a red-zone threat, helping him score eleven touchdowns over the last two seasons. He times jumps well and contact at the catch point doesn't stop him from completing the process.

Areas of Improvement

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— Joly needs to improve his functional strength to help him block more consistently and play through contact in man coverage.

— The 21-year-old prospect will become a viable in-line option by cleaning up his blocking technique, high pad level and wide base.

— He isn't a very explosive mover. At the top of his routes, Joly's quickness is inconsistent. An increased emphasis on foot-speed and explosion through route-breaks will create more separation across his route tree.

Grade, Rank and Pro Comparison

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GRADE: 7.1 (High-Level Backup/Starter Upside - Third round)

COMPARABLE GRADE: TE Jake Briningstool, Clemson (7.0 in 2025), TE Cade Stover, Ohio State (7.2 in 2024), TE Jake Ferguson, Wisconsin (6.9 in 2022)

OVERALL RANK: 98

POSITION RANK: TE8

PRO COMPARISON: Isaiah Likely

Measurables and Testing Data

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Height: 6'3 ⅝"
Weight: 241
Hand Size: 10 ½"
Arm Length: 32 ¼"
Wingspan: N/A

40-yard dash: N/A
10-yard split: N/A
Vertical: N/A
Broad: N/A
3 cone: N/A
Shuttle: N/A
Bench: N/A