Finding Broncos: 3 RBs for additional depth

Will the Broncos take to the NFL Draft to improve their running back room?

Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) runs for the first down against TCU Horned Frogs / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

There have been rumblings that the Denver Broncos want to change up their running back room some more. Javonte Williams had a solid season, but he fell off down the stretch. Samaje Perine was a solid third-down option, but ball security was a concern. Then there was the rookie Jaleel McLaughlin, who was an explosive threat but didn't see the field a lot, and it became predictable when he did. 

In addition, Williams and Perine are entering the final year of their current contracts. The Broncos could consider replacing one or both of them or finding someone who can offer more to the offense than McLaughlin. 

Let's look at three running backs who could help raise the floor in the room for the Broncos.

Texas Longhorns running back Jonathon Brooks (24) runs into the end zone for a touchdown against TCU / Ricardo B. Brazziell/American-Statesman

Jonathon Brooks | Texas

• Height: 6-foot
• Weight: 216 pounds
• Arm Length: 31-1/2 inches
• Hands: 9-1/4 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A

Pros

There are no concerns about the amount of touches he has, with only one year as the main back in Texas. During that time, he had one fumble on 238 carries. He also showed solid receiving ability out of the backfield. His acceleration is what you look for in the NFL, but he is also smooth with his movement skills. 

He is able to avoid defenders well, but when he sees the end of the run coming, he transitions to being a physical finisher. His foot quickness and change of direction are great and can make defenders miss in short areas. He has good patience behind his blockers to set up his running lanes. 

Cons

He suffered a torn ACL near the end of the season that will likely limit him during his rookie season. While he is patient with letting blocks develop, he can press too tightly to the line. When working outside runs, he isn’t as patient as he is between the tackles, allowing his blockers to get set up and run into defenders. 

While he has the size and build to handle a more physical running style, he doesn’t always finish blocks falling forward. Additionally, you would like to see that physicality show up when working as a blocker. He can struggle at times to power his way out of poor tackle attempts and be easy to be brought down. 

Fit With Broncos

If Brooks does need a full season, or most of a season, to recover from his ACL, that helps with the Broncos. He has the skill-set to be a replacement for Javonte Williams, who is entering the final year of his deal and doesn’t re-sign with the Broncos. Even if he does, Brooks can still work as a partner with Williams and replace what Perine brings, though there will need to be more development regarding his blocking. 

Big Board Position: No. 101 overall.

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Jan 1, 2024; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Bucky Irving (0) hurdles over Liberty / Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Bucky Irving | Oregon

• Height: 5-foot-9
• Weight: 192 pounds
• Arm Length: 29-1/2 inches
• Hands: 9-1/2 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: 2.12

Pros

Irving has a compact build, which helps with his center of gravity. Even though he is a lighter running back at 192 pounds, he has good power in his loser half and can be hard to bring down. He also has excellent ball security, with one fumble on 475 rushing attempts over three seasons. 

With his compact build and low center of gravity, Irving will meet tacklers with leverage and use his powerful base to try and plow through tacklers. He has good agility and can also spin out of tackles or sidestep them. His footwork is clean and consistent, and he has a great one-jump-and-go ability. 

His leverage and powerful base can help him as a blocker at the NFL level. He also has enough as a receiver to be effective out of the backfield or in the slot. Irving can also contribute as a returner if necessary.

Cons

While he can work as a blocker, his technique needs to improve. He has a powerful base and understanding of leverage, but everything else is missing. As for working as a receiver, his hands are inconsistent and must be cleaned up.

His run style doesn't match his body type, which can lead to taking more hits at the NFL level, putting his durability in question. He also lacks the patience to let blocks develop, which leads to more hits than is ideal with his body type. 

While he has good agility, he isn't the smoothest of movers. At times, he can be clunky with his change of direction, which will slow him down. For his size, you're looking for consistent home-run potential with the ball in his hands, and he doesn't have that. He lacks that extra breakaway gear and was caught from behind more often than you would like. 

Fit With Broncos

Irving is a bit of an enigma. His body type suggests one type of player, but when you watch him, he is the opposite. He likes to take on contact and play physically, but he doesn't have the size or build to take the punishment, and the NFL hands out on running backs. So, while he could fit with what the Broncos do on offense, they may look elsewhere due to potential durability issues.  

Big Board Position: No. 108 overall.

Dec 29, 2023; Jacksonville, FL, USA; Kentucky Wildcats running back Ray Davis (1) runs with the / Nathan Ray Seebeck-USA TODAY Sports

Ray Davis | Kentucky

• Height: 5-foot-8
• Weight: 211 pounds
• Arm Length: 30-1/4 inches
• Hands: 8-7/8 inches
• Relative Athletic Score: N/A

Pros

Ray Davis has a great build on a compact frame, with good muscle mass. He plays low and with leverage when running the ball, bringing a physical element to his game. Davis will keep his legs churning and lower into contact, often leading to him falling forward. 

One of the significant concerns after the 2022 season was his tempo and patience behind his blockers, but both were much improved in 2023. Instead of pressing at the line and outpacing his blocks, he was patient and let them set up and establish their blocks. 

There is enough speed for the NFL, though he isn't a homerun hitter. He has three-down versatility and reliable blocking and receiving ability out of the backfield. He displays good vision and solid agility when working outside the tackles to make his cut and get upfield. 

Cons

He will take an extra step on those outside runs to gather himself into his cut. This leads to some yards being left on the field as he struggles with his cut-and-go. The lack of speed often limits his effectiveness when working in space. 

There are questions about his vision and his ability to see holes opening up, and he is often late to see them. This leads to him trying to plow through a closing hole instead of bursting through. His vision is better between the tackles, but it is still not ideal for the NFL. 

He isn't a creative runner and relies on blocking more than most other running backs. If the hole isn't there, he will often try to run through it due to his lack of vision and creativity as a runner to create for himself. The footwork is fine, but he is more of a plodder than a smooth runner. 

Fit With Broncos

Davis would be a fine fit if the Broncos want the flexibility to move on from Perine this year or are willing to let him or Williams walk as free agents after this season. He works well with Sean Payton's running scheme, and the Broncos have a good run-blocking line to open up lanes for him without having him create for himself consistently. 

Big Board Position: No. 117 overall.

Better Fit for Broncos

Bucky Irving is a skilled rusher, but his running style and body type do create some concern about his ability to hold up at the NFL level. Even without that, Brooks or Davis are better fits for the Broncos. They are both more natural replacements for Perine or Williams, both of whom are in the final year of their deals. 

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