Future Broncos: It’s time for Denver to make a splash at running back

Yesterday I wrote about how the extension of Garett Bolles plays into Head Coach Sean Payton’s team building philosophy. Moreover, how it also frees the Denver Broncos up from having to use premium draft capital on finding a replacement in the 2025 NFL Draft. That is a big win for the franchise who can now consider other positions early on when the draft finally comes around.

It’s awesome that the Broncos are playing competitive football in December, but that won’t stop me from looking toward the future. That’s the point of Future Broncos—taking a look at prospects that can make the team better in the long run. So, what’s one thing the Broncos need to do to become even better in 2025. Snag themselves a rookie running back from this year’s top-notch class.

Everyone across Broncos Country knows the team has struggled to run the ball this season. Javonte Williams hasn’t produced at a high level, and it wouldn’t be a surprise if the team moved on from him at year’s end. Head Coach Sean Payton has admitted that finding snaps for Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime has been a challenge—noting that feeding three as opposed to two ends up putting them in a numbers game predicament.

Knowing Payton’s feelings, there is no doubt in my mind that upgrading the franchise’s stable of running backs will be one of the top priorities for him and the Broncos’ brass this offseason. While they have ample cap space to make a free agent addition, I’d caution against spending big on the position group. Unless you could come up for a convincing argument for the Broncos to pursue Aaron Jones, Najee Harris, or perhaps even Nick Chubb.

I believe there is a much better way forward. This year’s draft looks to be one of the deepest in recent memory at the running back position. Boise State phenom Ashton Jeanty will wind up sitting atop most team’s boards. He would be a slam dunk pick for the Broncos, but the likelihood of him being available when they are on the clock gets slimmer with each big play he makes. Could the team make a move up for him? Anything is possible, but I have a feeling he could be off the board in the Top 12 to 15 picks—quite a bit ahead of where the Broncos will theoretically be selecting.

Even so, there will be a myriad of other prospects who could come in right away and make an impact for Denver. Next in line for me would be Iowa product Kaleb Johnson. He is my number two back behind Jeanty. Earlier this month he opted out from playing in the Hawkeye’s bowl game to instead focus on preparation for the 2025 NFL Draft.

Johnson was the Big Ten’s leading rusher this season amassing 1,537 yards on 240 carries and scoring 21 touchdowns. He also proved his value as a receiver hauling in 22 receptions for 188 yards and 2 touchdowns. At 6’0 and 225 pounds, he clearly has the size and physique to be a lead back in today’s NFL. He also sports incredible vision and tackle breaking ability which will earn him plus marks on his scouting report.

But here is the catch—Johnson is clearly a Top 50 player. Heck, he is one of the most dynamic offensive players in this year’s draft and we know those prospects are always in high demand. I honestly don’t think the Broncos have a shot at getting him in the second round unless they were to move up.

While many fans are against utilizing a first-round pick on a running back, I certainly wouldn’t mind a scenario if the Broncos traded back a bit, acquired extra capital, and took Johnson. We have seen what other teams in the league like the Detroit Lions have been able to accomplish while utilizing premium draft capital at the position.

To me Johnson is an immediate Day 1 starter and would give the Broncos’ rushing attack the boost it desperately needs. Just imagine what having him on offense would do for Bo Nix and the other players around him? Quite a bit I’d imagine. A strong rushing attack will only make things easier for Nix and his companions in the receiving game.

Outside of him, I feel North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton and Ohio State’s Quinshon Judkins are also Top 50 players who can be primary backs in volume share during their rookie campaigns. Judkins’ Buckeyes teammate TreVeyon Henderson also has that ability, but I’m concerned with his injury history and missing multiple games a year.

Other top prospects at the position are Oregon’s Jordan James and Dylan Sampson, but I feel they are much better suited off as change-of-pace backs at the next level as opposed to high-volume starters. That’s why lean more toward prospects like Kansas product Devin Neal, Penn State’s Nicholas Singleton, Oklahoma State’s Ollie Gordon and Raheim Sanders of South Carolina—who can hammer it on early downs and would be quality selections on Day 2 of the draft—and allow the Broncos wanted to wait it out and address other needs first.

What do you think, Broncos Country? How early is too early for the Broncos to take a running back in the upcoming draft? Who are some of your favorites at the position? What would be your strategy to address the need at the position? Sound off in the comments section and let me know!