The Denver Broncos have a glaring need at running back following the departure of Javonte Williams in free agency. Today we highlight 5 prospects the Broncos must target in the upcoming NFL draft.
#5: Cam Skattebo – Arizona State
If you tuned in to ASU football at all last season, you are well aware of the name Cam Skattebo. He rushed for 1,711 yards and 21 touchdowns last season for and carried his team to the College Football Playoff. Skattebo is an extremely physical back who displays otherworldly contact balance. His secure hands bode well for the Sean Payton offense as he caught 45 passes in 2024. He also possesses excellent vision, constantly finding holes in the defense. However, concerns arise when examining his poor ball security (10 fumbles in his past 3 seasons), lack of top-tier speed (4.62-second 40-yard dash), and his very inconsistent pass protection which is something the Broncos RB room lacks greatly. Overall Skattebo projects as a 3rd round draft pick who should certainly be on the Broncos’ radar.
#4 Kaleb Johnson – Iowa
Kaleb Johnson was a dominant force in the Big Ten in 2024. He amassed 1,537 yards and 21 touchdowns against stacked boxes in his breakout campaign. Johnson is a large RB, standing at 6’1″ 224 lbs. and that is evident in his game. He runs with a unique calculated violence and always falls forward for extra yards. Johnson glides through arm tackles like they are a calm summer breeze, forcing defenders to confront him head on. The issues that may hold him back start with his lack of top end speed, getting caught from behind on big runs far too often. He needs polish as a blocker if he is going to handle NFL rushers. Finally, he has unimpressive quickness along with a very limited route tree. Johnson likely hears his name called day 2 of the draft.
#3 TreVeyon Henderson – Ohio State
TreVeyon Henderson split touches with Quinshon Judkins for Ohio State’s 2024 National Championship team, but that didn’t stop him from surpassing 1,000 yards on the ground. Henderson is a smaller back at just 5’10” 202 lbs. but don’t let the small frame fool you, as he plays with a feistiness that allows him to break any tackle. His acceleration and burst may be the best in the class, and he pairs that with outstanding vision to explode through the line for home runs regularly. He possesses adequate hands and is very shifty in open space. His cons come much as a result of his size, he has a concerning injury history and his small frame limits his effectiveness as a pass blocker. Additionally, his route tree is limited. Overall I project Henderson as a mid-to-late 2nd round pick who could be a game changer for Denver.
#2: Omarion Hampton – UNC
Omarion Hampton is one of the biggest draft risers of 2025. Hampton is the human bowling ball archetype; he smashed through defenses for 1,660 yards in his 2024 season. Another reason he is turning heads is because of his explosive 4.46 40-yard dash at the combine, a much faster time than expected. Hampton runs with great pad level and finishes violently for extra yards. What sets him apart, however, are the traits that physical running backs often lack, his reliable hands and elite burst are traits that will help him stand out at the next level. He is also a tenacious pass protector despite lacking technique. He could use improvement with his creativity in open space to evade defenders, and he lacks a diverse route tree. Omarion Hampton should be drafted comfortably within the first round and is a top option at pick 20 for Denver.
#1: Ashton Jeanty
Ashton Jeanty likely needs no introduction. The Heisman runner-up put up video game numbers in 2024, rushing for 2,601 yards and 29 touchdowns, earning unanimous All-American honors. It’s hard to pinpoint exactly what Jeanty isn’t good at. He has elite contact balance and burst. He finishes hard and plays with a perfect pad level. His route tree is good and he has refined pass blocking skills. Some flaws include his size at just 5’8″, his patience behind the line which is average at times, and occasional fumbles that need cleaned up. The only true downside for the Broncos is that it’s unlikely he’ll be there for the Broncos at pick 20. If Jeanty hears his name called by Denver, it’s likely after significant trade up.
Leave a Reply