The Denver Broncos were eliminated in the Wild Card Round of the 2024 NFL playoffs, and the AFC West team already has a clear plan in place to improve the roster ahead of next week’s NFL Draft. Head coach Sean Payton and general manager George Paton spoke to the media during a press conference to lay out the team’s strategy.
This year’s draft class includes several talented running backs who could make an immediate impact, and Payton is well aware of the differences between them. Still, he’s hoping to find one who can help quarterback Bo Nix right away.
“There are a lot of running backs in this draft, it’s certainly an opportunity. There are different types of running backs, some are more physical, some are more agile, it depends on what you’re looking for,” Payton said. “There are two great allies that help a quarterback: a great defense and an excellent running game. We’ll be focusing on the running back position; it’s a good draft for that.”
The top prospect at the position is Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty, with North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton not far behind. Other notable names who could be taken in the first two days of the draft include Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson, Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson, and Tennessee’s Dylan Sampson.
For his part, Paton outlined what the team is looking for in a running back. The GM said he wants someone who can pick up blitzes and protect Nix when needed.
“You don’t see a lot of college running backs blocking, so you have to look at the player—the person—their frame, their playing style, to know whether they’re strong enough to handle pass protection,” Paton said.
One late-round option could be Kalel Mullings, a converted linebacker from Michigan who brings special teams experience and a willingness to deliver hits to opposing defenders.
In 2024, the Broncos rushed for 1,908 yards and 12 touchdowns behind a line-up featuring Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime. Help is needed, especially considering Nix accounted for one-fifth of the team’s total rushing yards and one-third of its rushing touchdowns.
Former Denver running back to announce draft pick
It’s not guaranteed the Broncos will draft a running back in the early rounds of next weekend’s event at Lambeau Field. But a former Denver running back will be involved in the team’s draft process.
The Broncos announced that Montee Ball, a Wisconsin alum and the team’s 2013 second-round pick, will announce Denver’s selection on Day 2 of the draft. The team currently holds the No. 51 pick in the second round.
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