Summary

Adam Trautman was selected in Round 3 (#105 Overall) of the 2020 NFL Draft out of University of Dayton (FCS). A dominant small-school tight end, Trautman finished his collegiate career with 178 receptions, 2,295 yards, and 31 touchdowns, earning Consensus FCS All-American honors and establishing himself as one of the most productive tight ends at that level. His size, athleticism, and competitiveness against lower-level competition made him an intriguing projection to the NFL. In the NFL, Trautman has carved out a role as a blocking-capable, scheme-reliable tight end, playing for the Saints and later the Broncos, tied at the hip to head coach Sean Payton. Through the 2024 season, he has recorded 100+ career receptions, 1,000+ receiving yards, and multiple touchdowns, while consistently handling heavy snap counts in run-heavy and play-action-based offenses. Trautman is widely regarded as a high-character, intelligent, and team-oriented professional, praised for toughness, work ethic, coachability, and willingness to embrace demanding blocking assignments.

Strengths

• Inline Blocking: Physical, willing blocker and functional at point of attack. Experience as Y tight end, H-back, and motion player.

• Scheme Discipline: Executes assignments cleanly in run and pass concepts. Effective leaking into flats and seams off run looks and capitalizing on play-action.

• Size & Frame: Prototypical build for an in-line tight end. Plays through contact and competes snap-to-snap.

• Hands Reliability: Secure catch ability on routine targets. Trusted by quarterbacks to keep chains moving on important downs.

Weaknesses

• Separation Ability: Limited burst to consistently create space versus man coverage.

• YAC Creation: More secure than dynamic after the catch.

• Route Nuance: Routes lack suddenness and relies on scheme to get open.

• Top-End Speed: Not a vertical threat to stress safeties. Projects more as a complementary option than featured target.

Outlook

Trautman is a strong fit for Denver’s structured, run-first and play-action–heavy offensive approach, particularly in systems that value tight end blocking, reliability, and discipline. He profiles best as a TE2 or rotational TE1, where his blocking ability helps maintain personnel flexibility without tipping play calls. His familiarity with Sean Payton’s timing-based offense and comfort working underneath make him a natural safety valve for quarterbacks. Looking ahead, Trautman projects as a steady, role-defined tight end with long-term roster value. While he lacks the explosive traits of a featured receiving tight end, his intelligence, toughness, and blocking reliability give him a high floor and consistent usefulness. For a team emphasizing offensive structure and efficiency, Trautman remains a winning-role contributor who supports offensive identity rather than driving it. Ideally, if he is the TE3 on your depth chart, you are in really good shape.