Broncos HC Sean Payton just accidentally revealed the running backs he's going to target in 2025 NFL Draft
It's no secret that the Denver Broncos desperately need a running back, or maybe even two of them, through the 2025 NFL Draft. They were one of the worst teams in that department last season, especially when you take away Bo Nix's legs. With factoring in any quarterback rushing yards, the Broncos were the ninth-worst […]
It's no secret that the Denver Broncos desperately need a running back, or maybe even two of them, through the 2025 NFL Draft. They were one of the worst teams in that department last season, especially when you take away Bo Nix's legs.
With factoring in any quarterback rushing yards, the Broncos were the ninth-worst rushing team in the league last year, with 1,473 rushing yards, according to Sports Info Solutions. They have the 27th most touchdowns in that area as well, with just eight. With Nix, they rank 16th and 23rd in those respective categories. So their quarterback is responsible for a good chunk of their run game, and that's not something you want to have to rely on.
Take the Buffalo Bills and the Baltimore Ravens last year, for example — both have two of the best running QBs we have probably ever seen. However, when you take away their quarterbacks, they still have good run games. The Ravens have the fourth most yards and fifth most touchdowns, while the Bills have the 13th most yards and third most touchdowns.
You can have a mobile QB who is a big part of your offense, and still not rely on him. The Bromcos relied on Nix way too much last year in terms of getting the ball to move by way of the ground game, and it was because the running back room, paired with the offensive line, a bit, was not getting the job done. Getting an RB in this draft is paramount.
Luckily for the Broncos, this is one of the deepest RB classes we have ever seen. And now we know the exact type of RB the Broncos will try and target.
“There are different types of runners," Payton said on Monday when asked what traits he looks for. "Sometimes we’ll refer to a runner as a three-down player or a two-down player. ‘Does this guy have good receiving skills? Can he block pressure?’ As far as the make-up traits or the physical characteristics, it’s the one position where height is really not discussed. Short or small is discussed, and there’s a difference. So they have to have a lower body. In this draft, I’ve seen a number of these players that I feel are first- and second-down runners.
"I feel like I’ve seen a number of players that can potentially play on third down, it’s just what you’re looking for. I think ball security you’re looking for. Some backs make positive yards most of the time, and that’s a trait that I think… there’s a feel in other words. Some backs don’t have the same vision as others, meaning they’ll take a negative play. And look—make no mistake about it. We’re wanting to see our group at home get these opportunities now. So that competition, I think, will help.”
I think it's pretty obvious that Payton wants an RB that can play all three downs, which means he can't be unreliable in pass pro and the passing game. He needs to be a well-rounded back, but also is able to convert those third and short yardage plays with his feet. And, there are a ton of guys like that in this draft.
The most notable of the guys that are realistic for the Broncos to draft would be Omarion Hampton, TreVeyon Henderson, DJ Giddens, Devin Neal, and maybe even Cam Skattebo and Dylan Sampson with some development in the NFL. Obviously this is a wide pool of players, but it feels like it's almost a done deal that the Broncos get at least one of those players in the 2025 NFL Draft.
And, most of those guys are better than what the Broncos currently have.
Denver Broncos fans just got the best news they could have hoped for regarding the team’s look in 2025
The Broncos will get the chance to show off the uniforms even more.
