Editor’s note: Second of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Monday: Quarterbacks. Today: Running backs.
Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: None.
Under contract: Audric Estime (three years), Jaleel McLaughlin (two years), Tyler Badie (three years), Blake Watson (three years).
Need scale (1-10): 9. This is really the position of the draft for the Broncos. They’ll be after several others, but if they land a difference-maker at running back — they haven’t had that since before Javonte Williams’ 2022 knee injury — they can unlock a new dimension to the offense, help Bo Nix and make everybody else more dangerous, too. Denver has options on the roster. Useful ones, even. But they don’t have the guy. That’s what they’re after. Not just a back. But a three-down, top-of-the-room dude.
Top five
Ashton Jeanty, Boise State: The Heisman Trophy runner-up is among the very best prospects in this draft class. He racked up 2,601 yards and 29 TDs rushing and is a tackle-breaking, explosive play-making ball-carrier. His highlights are the stuff of legend and he won’t have to wait long to hear his name called in the first round. Could he end up in the AFC West to Las Vegas at No. 6?
Omarion Hampton, North Carolina: In a running back class a mile deep and a mile wide, Hampton is out to prove he’s closer to Jeanty than to the rest. Over the past two years at UNC, he rushed for 1,504 and 1,660 yards, respectively, and had 15 rushing TDs each year. He also combined for 67 catches in that span and is a big, physical back who ran 4.46 seconds in the 40-yard dash at 221 pounds. A likely first-rounder and a potential Broncos pick at No. 20.
TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State: Some years, Henderson could challenge to be the top back drafted. He draws comparisons to Jahmyr Gibbs and Alvin Kamara for his combination of big-play ability and receiving acumen. Henderson was 202 pounds at the combine and ran 4.43 in the 40. He’s a home-run hitter and capable of playing all three downs.
Kaleb Johnson, Iowa: Johnson was prolific in Iowa’s zone rushing attack. He’s a great fit in an outside zone-based offense at the next level and might adjust well to just about any scheme. His 40 time didn’t wow at 4.57 seconds, but the production (1,537 yards and 23 total TDs in 2024) speaks for itself.
Quinshon Judkins, Ohio State: The thunder to Henderson’s lightning in OSU’s backfield during their national title run. Judkins is 221 pounds and ran 4.46 in the 40. He’s rugged and was remarkably consistent through two years at Ole Miss and one at OSU.
More Broncos options
Cam Skattebo, Arizona State: Opinions vary widely on Skattebo, but he’s a freight train who is tough to tackle and is a good receiver, too. Coaches will love him even with a 40 time in the mid-4.6 range.
DJ Giddens, Kansas State: A Broncos 30 visitor, Giddens put up impressive testing numbers at the combine — 4.43 in the 40 and a 39.5-inch vertical jump at 212 pounds — after major production at KSU. He rushed for 1,343 yards (6.6 per carry) last fall and had 50 catches over the past two years.
Bhayshul Tuten, Virginia Tech: Great name with big-time game. Tuten put on a show at the combine. He ran 4.32 in the 40 (with a blistering 1.49 10-yard split) and had a 40.5-inch vertical. Averaged 6.3 yards per carry. Not big, but might have enough mass at 206 pounds.
RJ Harvey, UCF: Racked up 1,577 yards on 6.8 per carry last fall. Produced throughout his career, averaging 6.3 overall at UCF. Harvey has some receiving chops, too, and is yet another 4.4-second 40 guy in the class.
Brashard Smith, SMU: A Senior Bowl standout who flourished after leaving Miami for SMU last fall. He rushed for 1,332 yards and 15 touchdowns. Has always been a good receiver, averaging 31 catches per season over the past three. Ran 4.39 in the 40 at 195 pounds.
Jaydon Blue, Texas: Another Broncos 30 visitor, Blue is a blur. He ran 4.38 at the combine and is a true home-run threat. Not only that, but he’s a terrific receiver (42 catches in 2024). He’s on the smaller side (196 pounds) but is intriguing as a change-of-pace option.
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