Sean Payton hasn’t blinked all offseason when talking about his plans for the Broncos. He wants a backfield threat. He wants to make Bo Nix’s job easier. He wants a coveted RB or TE that he has been in search for and has named Joker. But over the years, he has not landed one on his squad. But can it happen this time? “There will be a focus on the running back position. It’s a pretty good draft for running backs.” Payton’s got it clear because in his eyes, it’s simple: there are just two ways to help a QB.

First, “A good defense.” The second, as he said, “Obviously, a really good running game.” With a pick 20, all signs pointed to a big prize in an RB. But hold up—something’s shifting in Denver’s war room, and it smells like a late twist. Let’s roll back the time.

Payton has long been obsessed with matchup nightmares—players who don’t fit neatly into one position. In New Orleans, it was Reggie Bush. Then it was Jimmy Graham. He told reporters this week that the key is “a real clear vision for how you want to use them.” That’s not coach-speak but Sean dropping breadcrumbs. But it was nothing until he referenced Reggie and Ingram and even name-dropped Cam Jordan falling into his lap. That’s when you know it wasn’t random. And now an insider too has dropped some nuggets for the Broncos.

Just days before the draft kicks off, CBS insider Jonathan Jones claimed: “There’s no question the Denver Broncos are interested in trading up. Where they trade up will be interesting. I would expect GM George Paton to try to find a soft spot in the teens, since teams above that won’t want to go to No. 20. I sent Omarion Hampton to them in my mock, but don’t rule out a tight end for Denver.”

But why a tight end now when Denver already grabbed his Joker Evan Engram in free agency? See, Payton’s never been a one-tight-end kind of a guy. He sees mismatches everywhere. Bo Nix needs easy throws. Red zone weapons. Plus, a versatility in motion.

A second tight end—especially a rookie with upside—could bring all of that. But let’s not forget, the Broncos have a rich history at the position: Shannon Sharpe, Julius Thomas, Virgil Green. The ghosts of Broncos’ tight ends past are watching. Maybe it’s time for the next chapter.

So, come April 24, don’t be shocked if Payton pulls one of his classic draft night pivots. Yes, a running back is still in play. But if Denver turns in a card for a tight end, don’t call it a curveball. Call it Payton being Payton—always playing two steps ahead.

Who can be the security blanket for Bo Nix and that ‘Joker’ for Sean Payton?

So, you thought Sean Payton was done hunting for his elusive “Joker,” when he brought in Engram, right? Not quite. Despite the Broncos tossing $23 million at Evan Engram earlier this offseason, and him openly accepting the role with a GIF of the late Heath Ledger portraying the Joker from The Dark Knight as his tweet back in March, Payton still seems to have eyes elsewhere. Specifically, on a tight end wearing maize and blue. Yep, we’re talking about Colston Loveland.

According to 9NEWS insider Mike Klis, “Now, I had crossed off Colston Loveland when the Broncos signed Evan Engram, but now I’m beginning to hear they would like a young ‘joker’ tight end to develop right behind him and along with him. I think that would be a luxury that would still surprise me. But from what I understand, the Broncos really like Colston Loveland.”

And this isn’t just a passing crush—they might be ready to go the extra mile on draft night. Think of Loveland under Engram as grooming a future mismatch machine—like grooming Shannon Sharpe 2.0 but taller, leaner, and potentially sneakier downfield.

But this could get spicy real quick. Loveland’s floor, as many mockers call it, sits around pick 14 with the Colts. So, if Indy passes, the Seahawks at 18 are lurking too. You think Sean Payton’s going to sit around and hope Loveland just lands in his lap at 20? Not likely. Denver might have to jump ahead, shoulder injury concerns and all. That’s how much they’re into the Michigan star because the numbers don’t lie.

Colston Loveland’s 2024 Season Stats

• Games Played: 10
• Receptions: 56
• Receiving Yards: 582
• Touchdowns: 5
• Yards Per Catch: 10.4

Career Stats (Michigan)

• Games Played: 39
• Receptions: 117
• Receiving Yards: 1,466
• Touchdowns: 11
• Career PFF Grade: 90.8

Long story short, Loveland was that dude in Michigan’s passing game. Smooth out of his breaks, hands like flypaper, and a knack for finding soft spots in coverage. Plus, the fact that the Broncos want explosion, versatility, and someone who can bail Bo Nix out on 3rd-and-oh-no. So, for that, he fits right in Denver.

Bottom line—Payton still wants his “joker.” And if the Broncos see Loveland as that guy, that’s it. They are getting him. But hey, (this is for Denver), after all, it’s all to give Nix more weapons, right?