Future Broncos: Texas tight end Gunnar Helm

Texas Longhorns tight end Gunnar Helm is a prospect the Denver Broncos might consider late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos lessened their need at tight end during free agency by signing longtime veteran Evan Engram to a two-year deal. Coaches and fans across Broncos Country are hoping he can prove to be a ‘joker’ in their offense, but even if that happens, the Broncos still need another developmental tight end to add to their room long-term.

Tight end is a position of strength in the 2025 NFL Draft. Cherry Creek High School alumnus and Colorado native Gunnar Helm of the Texas Longhorns is one prospect to watch. The Broncos had a formal interview with Helm at the NFL Combine and recently hosted him for a pre-draft visit at Dove Valley.

With Ja’Tavion Sanders drafted by the Carolina Panthers last year, Helm finally had the top spot on the Longhorns’ depth chart in 2024. He didn’t disappoint with the opportunity that presented itself. He went on to set Longhorns team records at the position with 60 catches for 786 yards and 7 touchdowns.

By doing so, Helm has gone from a projected late-round pick to a prospect who could hear his name called in the Top 100 picks of the 2025 NFL Draft. Let’s take a deeper look at Helm as a prospect, his strengths and weaknesses, and when the Broncos should consider taking him in April.

Player Profile: Gunnar Helm — Tight End — Texas

Height: 6’5” | Weight: 241 pounds | Arm Length: 32-3/4” | Hand Size: 9-7/8”

40-yard dash: 4.84 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.69 seconds | Vertical: 30” | 3-Cone: 7.15 seconds

Statistics at Texas: 55 games played, 79 receptions, 1,022 yards, 9 touchdowns.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Sports great size, wingspan and catch radius and knows how to use it to his advantage
• Versatility — played in-line, out wide, and in the slot during his collegiate career
• Sure-handed tight end who is a reliable safety valve
• Knack for getting open especially vertically up the seam
• Offers quality yard after the catch ability
• Admirable effort and ample experience pass blocking
• Record-breaking season showcased quality games against top competition
• Multi-sport athletic background and Helm’s a better athlete than his RAS indicates

Negatives:

• Needs to add more strength and technical refinement as a run blocker
• Had a great season, but gets the one-year wonder moniker
• Somewhat schemed open for easy touches that might not be as effective in the pros
• Still needs more time growing into a fuller or more developed route tree
• Might only be a TE2 at the next level and not a team’s top option

Hart’s Projection: Top 100 Selection | Late Day 2, Early Day 3 Value

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Helm

Even if you are high on Engram’s potential in the Broncos’ offense over the next season or two, the Broncos still need to add to the tight end room. While I don’t think signing Engram should preclude Denver from drafting with either of their first two selections, I think it gives them the ability to sit and wait until the third or fourth round to add somebody.

Critics have pointed to Helm’s underwhelming combine performance as a reason to drop him down boards or question his NFL potential. However, it’s important to remember he had suffered an ankle sprain while participating in drills. His athleticism isn’t top tier, but his multi-sport background shows up on tape with smoothness and intent regarding his movement and overall ability.

Helm might never be a dominant tight end at the next level. However, has the traits and makeup to become a reliable contributor for a long time. Ultimately, I think Helm will be drafted on late on Day 2 or early on Day 3 in April—just like his teammate Sanders was in the 2024 NFL Draft. If the Broncos address other major needs in the first two rounds, Helm would be a viable option for them with one of their next two selections.