Jake Butt Draft Profile and Selection
Jake Butt was selected in the fifth round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos with the 145th overall pick. He played college football at the University of Michigan, where he became one of the most productive tight ends in recent Big Ten history. His draft profile highlighted his blocking ability, route-running consistency, and reliability as a red-zone target, which were key factors for the Broncos' front office. The pick was widely seen as a value selection for a team looking to improve depth at tight end behind veteran coverage options.
Before the draft, Butt was projected as a mid-to-late round prospect by most mock draft boards, with some analysts ranking him in the late first or early second round based on his college production. He finished his Michigan career with 130 receptions for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns, earning consensus All-American honors and the Kwalick-Clark Award as the Big Ten's best tight end. The Broncos traded up slightly to ensure they could select him, addressing a need for a physical, reliable pass-catcher in a modern NFL offense.
College Career and Pre-Draft Performance
Key College Statistics and Awards
At Michigan, Jake Butt recorded 130 career receptions for 1,654 yards and 16 touchdowns across four seasons, leading the team in receiving yards in multiple years. He earned first-team All-Big Ten honors three times and was named a consensus All-American in 2016, cementing his status as one of the top tight ends in the draft class. His performance in high-profile bowl games and against top-ranked opponents reinforced his reputation as a dependable option in both short and intermediate passing situations.
Draft Combine and Pro Day Metrics
At the NFL Scouting Combine, Butt measured in at 6-foot-4, 247 pounds, with a 33-inch vertical jump and a 4.65-second 40-yard dash, numbers that underscored his athleticism for the tight end position. His bench press repetitions and broad jump further highlighted his strength and explosiveness, traits that scouts valued for blocking and contested-catch ability. Pro day workouts confirmed his fluid movement and hands, which helped him move up slightly from initial mock draft projections to the Broncos' fifth-round selection.
Professional Career and Current Role
Early NFL Seasons with the Denver Broncos
Jake Butt made his NFL debut with the Denver Broncos in 2017, appearing in 14 games and catching 12 passes for 131 yards during his rookie season. He missed significant time in 2018 and 2019 due to a torn ACL and other injuries, limiting his production but showing flashes of the reliability that made him a draft pick. By 2020, he had established himself as a key rotational piece, contributing as a blocker and short-yardage target in the Broncos' offensive system.
Contract Extensions and Team Contributions
Butt signed a one-year contract extension with the Broncos ahead of the 2023 season, reflecting the team's continued confidence in his role as a dependable veteran tight end. He has served primarily as a hybrid blocker and possession receiver, lining up in the slot and on the boundary to create mismatches against linebackers and safeties. His career trajectory illustrates a classic late-draft development story, where consistent college production translated into a multi-year NFL role focused on special teams and situational offense.
Recent Performance and Usage Trends
In the most recent seasons available, Jake Butt has remained a stable contributor on the Broncos' roster, logging consistent snaps in passing situations and short-yardage packages. His usage has focused