Broncos Wire‘s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at the Denver Broncos’ seventh-year veteran tight end Eric Tomlinson, No. 87.
Before the Broncos: Tomlinson (6-6, 263 pounds) entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of UTEP with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2015. He went on to spend time with eight different teams from 2015 to 2021, most recently with the Baltimore Ravens. Tomlinson, 29, is primarily an inline TE used in personnel groupings such as 12, 13 and 22 when multiple tight ends are on the field for the offense. That’s backed by his lowly 18 receptions on 28 targets for 201 yards and a touchdown in 68 games (41 starts). Basically, Tomlinson is a run blocker.
Circling back to personnel groupings, the first number in the personnel grouping represents the number of backs on the field and the second number represents the number of tight ends. For example, 12 means one back and two tight ends. Subsequently, there will be two wide receivers on the field as well.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Playing on a one-year deal, Tomlinson’s Week 1 roster spot is pretty secure. He’s the team’s No. 2 TE. The journeyman tight end will be asked to block. Although he won’t pad the stat sheet, Tomlinson’s role as an inline TE is one that’ll be counted on in the run game.
Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Google Podcasts