Future Broncos: Luke Reynolds and Ben Roberts — two prospects to watch in Week 4

# Why Broncos fans should be watching these two prospects this week

The latest Future Broncos highlights one tight end and one linebacker who have pushed their draft stock early in the 2026 college season. Both offer traits that could address needs for Denver, but each also carries concrete flaws teams will want resolved before the draft.

Luke Reynolds — Tight end, Virginia Tech

Reynolds began at Penn State and showed limited production early: as a 2024 freshman he had nine catches for 111 yards and one touchdown while backing up a future first‑rounder. His role increased as a sophomore (26 catches, 257 yards) where he also earned a reputation as an effective inline blocker.

A transfer to Virginia Tech this year has coincided with a clear spike in receiving production: through three games he totaled 25 catches for 265 yards and four touchdowns. His recent 12‑catch, 107‑yard, one‑TD performance against Maryland stands out as proof he can be a primary target.

What he brings: savvy route placement against zone coverage, toughness to break tackles and generate yards after the catch, and proven inline blocking ability. Those are precisely the mix NFL teams prize in a multi‑role tight end who can move the chains, contribute in the red zone, and help the run game.

What to watch for: whether he maintains this level across a full season and confirms his blocking and receiving chops against stronger defenses. The author projects Reynolds as a likely Top‑50 pick in the next draft and specifically mentions a fit for Sean Payton's offense.

Next matchup noted: Virginia Tech at Boston College (ACC game).

Ben Roberts — Linebacker, Texas Tech

Roberts enters the 2026 season as a fifth‑year senior and four‑year starter who already profiles with NFL size at 6'3", 245 pounds. He produced 90 tackles and four interceptions as a junior and finished his college career with more than 300 tackles, roughly six interceptions, and a similar number of forced fumbles.

What to watch for: consistency in the run game. Roberts added weight and strength in the offseason to improve block‑shedding, but the author wants to see better diagnosis and pursuit angles and more tackles behind the line of scrimmage. His missed tackle numbers are modest—nine missed tackles in 2025 and a sub‑8% missed tackle rate—but there's room to be more disruptive at the point of attack.

Draft outlook: despite some consensus boards listing him late, the author expects Roberts to be a Top‑64 selection based on size, coverage ability, turnover production, and four years of starting experience.

What this means for the Broncos

• Tight end: Reynolds offers a multi‑tool profile (receiving + in‑line blocking) that aligns with schemes valuing positional versatility. Sustained production would make him a compelling early‑round target.
• Linebacker: Roberts addresses the growing premium on linebackers who can cover in space and force turnovers. Improvement in run‑defense instincts would raise his draft ceiling.

Both players are worth tracking over the next month to see if early season performance holds up against increasingly tougher opponents.