Although Denver Broncos tight end Noah Fant is coming off a year where he enjoyed modest production, it appears expectations will be rather high for him in the 2020 NFL season.

Fant is set to take on an integral role as part of this revamped offense in Denver. NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks said on the Move the Sticks Podcast that he expects him to have a breakout season in Year 2:

“The reason why Noah can really have a breakout year — last year he averaged 14 yards a catch, 40 receptions, three touchdowns,” Brooks said. “But it’s what’s around him that can open up the field. With Jerry Jeudy and KJ Hamler, Courtland Sutton, teams are going to have to make a decision. How are we going to defend the Broncos? With the running game, Phillip Lindsay, Melvin Gordon, Pat Shurmur coming over and a little more commitment to the running game. I think Drew Lock is going to find comfort in working the middle of the field. That’s why I think Noah Fant’s numbers could go to 60, 65 receptions and seven to 10 touchdowns as he becomes a big part of the offense.”

The Broncos made quite an investment when they opted to take Fant in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft. While it may have taken him some time to find his footing as part of this lackluster offense, he was able to show plenty of promise after hauling in 40 receptions for 562 yards and three touchdowns.

Of course, Fant's numbers were relative to the limited opportunities he had on offense. Regardless, he managed to take full advantage by leading all tight ends with 8.3 yards after the catch per reception while finishing second in yards per reception.

The Broncos put an emphasis on shoring up the supporting cast for quarterback Drew Lock the offseason by bringing in new weapons such as running back Melvin Gordon, wide receiver Jerry Jeudy, and wide receiver K.J. Hammier. The onus will ultimately fall on Fant to earn Lock's trust as a safety net in the passing game.

This could make Fant quite an intriguing option when it comes to fantasy football this season.