The Denver Broncos announced on Apr. 25 that they have selected tight end Justin Joly with the 152nd-overall pick in the 2026 National Football League Draft.
Joly’s selection follows a trade between the Broncos and the Cleveland Browns, where Denver acquired the pick in exchange for their fifth-round (No. 170) and sixth-round (No. 182) picks in this year’s draft.
“I feel like there’s a lot of things that [the Broncos] think I can do, between the backfield and the slot,” Joly said Saturday. “Obviously, I’m going to have to learn and get ready to just play. But overall, I look forward to it, and I know they do too. I’m just happy they believe in my skill set.”
Joly played two seasons as a starter at North Carolina State University, leading his team with 49 receptions and seven receiving touchdowns during the previous season, which earned him first-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors. Before joining NC State, he began his college career at University of Connecticut where he appeared in 24 games with ten starts over two years.
At six feet three inches tall and weighing 241 pounds, Joly will join a group of Denver tight ends that includes Adam Trautman, Evan Engram, Nate Adkins and other contributors.
“I’m just here to do whatever they need me to do,” Joly said. “Any time my name is called, I’m blessed to do that, without a doubt.” Earlier on Saturday during the draft proceedings, Denver also selected running back Jonah Coleman and offensive lineman Kage Casey.
