Broncos Trade Up for NC State TE Justin Joly in 5th Round

The Denver Broncos traded up to select NC State tight end Justin Joly with the 152nd overall pick in the fifth round of the 2026 NFL Draft. Joly, a 21-year-old former WR/TE hybrid, totaled 92 receptions for 1,150 yards and 11 touchdowns over two seasons at NC State. He ranked 14th in 2025 aDOT (7.6) and 10th in team receiving yard market share (18.6%) among Combine-invited tight ends. Viewed as a high-upside pass-catching weapon, his selection fills a position of need for the Broncos, despite some surprise at his draft slide.