Broncos Cutting Ties With Fifth-Round Pick Named Most Shocking Move Of Cutdown Day

The Denver Broncos traded up near the top of the fifth round to draft NC State tight end Justin Joly with the 152nd pick, sending away selections 170 and 182. Despite the investment, the team cut Joly on Sunday, ending his Broncos stint after he spent time in training camp but did not play a meaningful snap. Multiple analysts called it among the most surprising moves of cut-down day. Joly had produced 166 catches for 1,978 yards and 15 touchdowns in college and showed promise late in camp and in the preseason finale versus Minnesota with two catches for 95 yards, including an 88-yard touchdown. Broncos GM George Paton said Joly was “raw,” was improving late, and that the tight end spot is difficult for rookies, though he “missed a lot of the offseason.”