Colorado football tight ends poised for bigger role in 2025 offense
Tight ends coach Brett Bartolone and players Zack Atkins and Sav'ell Smalls all spoke and touched on the improvement from last season.
"The tight end room has been elevated," Bartolone said. "I always think it makes it harder for defenses when there is a tight end in there."
Despite having a pass-first offense in 2024, the Buffs did not feature the tight end, instead opting to throw it to their four receiver, who are now all in the NFL. Tight ends, as a group, last season caught just 10 passes for 67 yards and one touchdown.
Bartolone believes that will change this year, especially with the addition of Zach Atkins from the transfer portal. The transfer from Northwest Missouri State brings a more legitimate pass-catching threat to Colorado.
"He probably gives us a little more vertical threat down the field just because he did play receiver," Bartolone said of his newest tight end. "He is the fastest guy in the room. I think he can really stretch the defense when he is out there."
At the very least, Colorado and its coaching staff will hope the tight end room can aid in the running while offering a few capable playmakers in the red zone.
Follow Charlie Strella on X, Threads and Instagram.
Contact/Follow us @BuffaloesWire on X (formerly Twitter) and like our page on Facebook for ongoing coverage of Colorado news, notes and opinions.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Nick Wright suggests Bo Nix is the next Mac Jones
Nick Wright wants to be starting something. Speaking on his "What's Wright?" show, Nick Wright and Cowherd spent time talking about the latest happenings in the NFL. Wright spoke on his expectations for Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix, and he made a, say, rather interesting comparison. Wright believes that former quarterback Mac Jones, who suffered a sharp decline after a solid rookie season, is a great comparison for Nix. A stretch? Maybe. But check the clip below to see what Wright said. Wright compared Nix's Pro Bowl alternate nod, Denver's 10 wins and the Broncos getting knocked out of the playoffs by the Buffalo Bills to Jones' rookie season, suggesting that Nix will now have a similar career outcome. I'd say Wright is off the mark for two reasons: 1) Nix has Sean Payton and 2) Mac Jones never had Sean Payton. With Payton ready to take the Broncos to the next level in year three, it appears he has big plans to make Nix a superstar quarterback. Social: Follow Broncos Wire on Facebook and Twitter/X! Did you know: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
USA Today
24 minutes ago
- USA Today
Darius Slay tells Steelers to 'stop playing' and pay Cam Heyward
One of the most polarizing topics currently dominating Steel City headlines is undoubtedly Cam Heyward's contract dilemma — and one veteran defender has his back. On Friday's episode of the Not Just Football with Cam Heyward podcast, special guests Jalen Ramsey and Darius Slay wasted little time addressing the elephant in the room — comparing the contract situation to that of Watt. The conversation quickly got away from the group, spiraling into Slay warning the Steelers to get a deal done quickly. "We need you to get it done, you took a big tole in me coming here," Slay told Heyward on the podcast. "So, we need you out there now. Tell them to stop playing, right now." Why Heyward's negotiation is so hotly debated is because he's only one year into his two-year extension signed last September — but the Steelers veteran also argued the plan all along was to ask for more money after an All-Pro caliber year. Another Steelers veteran in a similar situation as Heyward is All-Pro K Chris Boswell — but if Pittsburgh could only pay one, let us know which contract is more important here. For up-to-date Steelers coverage, follow us on X @TheSteelersWire and give our Facebook page a like.
New York Post
24 minutes ago
- New York Post
Commanders activate star receiver Terry McLaurin in contract drama twist
Terry McLaurin has been activated from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list Saturday, but it remains to be seen if the Commanders' receiver will strike a new deal with the team before the regular season begins. McLaurin, who had been designated to the PUP list with an ankle issue, was fined $200,000 by the organization for missing the first four days of training camp in July in a contract dispute. Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin walks across the field after a practice at the team's NFL football training camp, Sunday, July 27, 2025. AP Advertisement McLaurin's clearance 'is the next step in his progression, but unrelated to negotiations,' ESPN's Adam Schefter posted Saturday on X. 'A small step….as he's set to ramp up — the next step in returning to practice,' NFL Network's Ian Rapoport added on the social media site. 'There is no indication of progress on an extension. But with the season looming, McLaurin will begin the process of getting his body ready.' Advertisement The 30-year-old McLaurin is entering the final season of a three-year contract worth $68.4 million. Other top receivers like Ja'Marr Chase, Tee Higgins and DK Metcalf have recently received extensions from their respective teams. Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) catches a touchdown pass against Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (3) during the second quarter of the Giants and Washington Commanders game in East Rutherford, N.J. Bill Kostroun/New York Post The two-time Pro Bowler has recorded at least 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past five NFL seasons, including 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 17 games in 2024 as the primary target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Advertisement 'It feels good to be around my teammates and around the fans,' McLaurin told reporters after reporting to camp last month. 'I can't beat that at all. They showed me a lot of love and support. You lose sight of some things when the business gets involved, but I never lost sight of the way they supported me. It's business, but it has nothing to do with them.' The Commanders went 12-5 during the regular season last year and advanced to the NFC Championship game before losing to the Eagles. They will face the Bengals in their second preseason game Monday night, and open the season at home against the Giants on Sept. 7.
