We’re approaching the 2024 season. Every year, a few players seize on the right opportunity and surprise for fantasy players. The value comes from trying to predict who it will end up being this time of year and stashing them. Over the next few weeks, I’ll be looking at some 2024 sleeper candidates at each of the key fantasy positions: quarterback, running back, wide receiver, and tight end. Hopefully, these are players you can acquire at a value that will propel you to fantasy glory.
We’ve come to the end of my look at sleeper candidates. I wrap up with my second tight end option and it’s even more of a swing for the fences than the first. But the tight end, as mentioned, is a difficult position. We know who the likely volume hogs are, and you usually have to pay a premium to get them. Outside of that, it’s good to collect two or three dart throws and play the odds week-to-week. If that’s you, or if you need a Hail Mary, today’s piece is for you. Today, I’m looking at Greg Dulcich, who heads into his third season with the Denver Broncos.
The Case for Greg Dulcich
If you’re taking a swing on Dulcich, it’s due to potential and Sean Payton’s past. First, let’s discuss Dulcich’s potential. We saw it on display from time to time in his rookie season. Dulcich only played in about half the games, but he saw 55 targets and caught 33 passes for 411 yards and two touchdowns. He did his damage from Week 6 to Week 15, finishing as TE12 in that period and looking like a potential star despite a poor offense around him. That’s the kind of talent and upside that led the Broncos to take him in the Third Round in the first place. And, heading into his third professional season, he still doesn’t face much competition on the roster.
A second reason for optimism is Payton. He’s frequently used tight ends in his offenses. That was actually part of the reason for optimism going into 2023, too. Payton offenses tend to funnel the ball through the tight end. In 2019, Payton had Jared Cook, who finished as TE7. At the same time, he funneled 19 additional receptions and six receiving touchdowns to Taysom Hill. Prior to that, Payton used a variety of tight ends, including late-career Ben Watson, a young Coby Fleener, and a break-out star in Jimmy Graham. In five seasons with Payton in New Orleans, Graham caught 386 passes and added 51 touchdowns.
Even before becoming a Head Coach in New Orleans, Payton was used to making the most of a talented tight end. In 2002, as Offensive Coordinator for the Giants, Payton had a young Jeremy Shockey, feeding him 128 targets as he caught 74 passes for 894 yards. The Broncos have an unsettled wide receiver group and young quarterbacks. If Dulcich gets on the field, he could do damage in a wide-open Broncos’ passing game for Payton.
The Case Against Greg Dulcich
So, rostering Dulcich sounds great based on his potential, his competition, and Payton’s history. What gives? Why is his ADP only TE34? Well, it’s because potential is about all we have for Dulcich when it comes to fantasy. Yes, he had some nice games in 2022. But he began that season missing five games and ended it missing the final three weeks of the season. In his time with the Broncos, he’s struggled with soft tissue injuries, which derailed his first season with Payton, too.
In 2023, there was plenty of hype for Dulcich. He seemed a great fit for Payton’s offense and had a nice stretch as a rookie. But in a league where the best ability is availability, Dulcich comes up short. He only appeared in two games in 2023 and only saw four targets. He turned that into three receptions for just 25 yards. In short, for fantasy, he was a roster clogger in 2023.
Can it be different this season? Perhaps. But he has just 12 games and seven starts in two seasons. That’s not going to get it done. Unless he can stay on the field, Dulcich doesn’t return much value. And with the Broncos talking up young prospect Lucas Krull this off-season, it’s possible he’s lost favor with Payton, too.
The Bottom Line
Dulcich remains the most talented tight end on the Broncos roster. He has the potential in the offense to reach heights that other players in the tight end room can’t achieve. But he is not without significant risk. If you are holding Dulcich—or just holding out hope—you should have a Plan B. But, man, if he can stay on the field, we could see magic in 2024.
Matthew Fox is a die-hard NFL fan and Broncos’ homer. He’s a member of the FSWA. You can find more from him on Twitter @knighthawk7734 or as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast, a part of the Campus2Canton Network.
