It's been a debate on MHR the last few weeks about when the Broncos should draft a Running Back if at all. I'm one of the people who believe EFX will draft at least one RB in the draft, and will do it rather early, in rounds 1 or 2. I know many believe against taking a RB early because of injury concerns, the idea we can get good backs in the later rounds, or that the RB position isn't even an area of need.
Let me try to persuade you some
Lets look at our current stable of RB's.
Willis McGahee: Had a great year, but he's 30 and was dinged up alot and wore down, down the stretch. He will be entering the last year of his contract, and can hit that over 30 wall anytime. Also Coach Fox has already said he doesnt want McGahee carrying the ball 20-25 times again.
Knowshon Moreno: Fragile, doesnt hit the hole, dances too much, slips and trips on air, and did i mention he's never healthy? Add on legal issues, he's on the roster bubble. I believe he still makes the team, but really depends on how many RB's we bring in.
Lance Ball: A 3rd string RB who is a straight-ahead, lower the head, power runner. I think Fox likes him, but ideally he won't be on the team
Jeremiah Johnson: He got a fan base on here, but he's just not that good. He has speed, but goes down quickly after any contact. If anything, put him on the PS.
Mario Fannin: Alot of people on here are just sold on his potential. Sure he has good size and speed, but coming off a torn ACL and being undrafted as it is, i doubt he makes the team. Would love it if he could, but it's a long shot
Looking at that group, i don't feel comfortable moving forward. I see a group of old, fragile and some not so talented players, and i only can say for sure that one will be on the team this upcoming season. If we had an All-Pro QB, pass happy team, and alot of pass catching weapons, i'd be okay with this. But, we have a raw, run first QB, A run heavy coach and a limited amount of pass catching weapons.
Now i know many of you believe we should add some RB's whether it be through Free Agency or The Draft. Lets take a look at the Free Agency RB's.
Looking at that group, only player that i would go after is Tolbert, and that still doesnt give us another runner. I'm not a fan of giving big FA contracts to RB's unless they're young and proven runners. I wouldnt mind adding Lynch, but i'd rather spend FA money elsewhere.
Now lets look at the draft
Those are the 3 backs i would target in rounds 1-2. There's a few other guys who could go here like a LaMichael James, Isaiah Pead, Cyrus Gray, Ronnie Hillman. My only issue with them is that they're under 200 pounds. Our running style seems to be, between the tackles, lower the shoulder and pound it. I don't think these guys fit that style. More of a 3rd down change of pace guy, which if Moreno is on the roster, we already have one.
Here's some late round guys i'd target too
Personally, if these are the only backs we draft, i would be disappointed. We need another guy who can carry the load, opposite of McGahee. I'd draft these guys to be 3rd stringer for now, and hope they develop.
Now looking at John Fox's draft history, he has taken many RB's in the first 2 rounds 02: Foster- 2nd, Kyle Johnson- 5th 05: Eric Shelton - 2nd 06: DeAngelo Williams - 1st 08: Jonathan Stewart - 1st 09: Mike Goodson - 4th
That's 5 running backs taken in the first 4 rounds in a 7 year span. Also remember, he had Stephen Davis for a few years. So a RB taken early, wouldnt be surprising. I know he doesnt have final say here in Denver, but he has an opinion, and Elway knows the importance of a strong running game.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
3 recs | 68 comments
Voted 2nd but trading back into the early 2nd round to get Lamar Miller would make my decade!
BroncoCUbuffs - February 22, 2012
I'd love to do that, but i have a sneaking suspicion he won't be there.
Bengals could take him at 23.
Scotty Payne - February 22, 2012
Will never happen
VegasBroncoFan - February 24, 2012 via Android app
I think I am a FA RB believer now.
A underused guy like Forsett or Portis for one last ride.
RBs are like Double 00’s. Good for a while but replicable after a few years.
So unless we can draft James Bond, lets sign someone. Spend the pick elsewhere.
Zac Man - February 22, 2012
Portis is done
Forsett could be a good pick-up, forgot about him
Scotty Payne - February 22, 2012
What has he been doing this last year? If he's been working out then he's worth a shot
if he’s been on the coach … don’t even call him.
Zac Man - February 22, 2012
still, alot better options out there
Miller is basically a young Portis. Over 30 banged up runners don’t magically get speed and their running skills back. Alot of teams passed him up, so i like to believe he is done. Plus we already have an Old guy in our backfield
Scotty Payne - February 22, 2012
Forsett
I’ve been calling that name for a while.
BroncosFanForLife - February 23, 2012
The Third
I would like to see Denver choose LaMichael James in the third round.
Bleedorange - February 22, 2012
I love James, but i don't trust him as a 1b type runner
He’s more of a third down, change of pace type back.
Scotty Payne - February 22, 2012
James is a deceptively powerful runner.
kind of like L.T. when he came out, or even Darren Sproles. He also knows the Option attack very well, and would fit in quickly and nicely. Everyone knows him for his highlight reel speed and agility, but several times I’ve noticed him being able to pick up a tough yard, like McGahee he knows how to fall forward, and rarely gets tackled backwards. He is used to catching out of the backfield as a check down, and is extremely good at play-action fakes. IMO he could be that guy who through the combine and pro-days leaps up a round or two. And could definitely work as a 1b type running back
Tony Astorino - February 23, 2012
I like Martin or La Michael James
Both would add a great weapon to the offense. If Martin falls to us in the late 2nd or James is there later, I wouldn’t mind what either back brings.
Topher Doll - February 22, 2012
Give me Turbin in rd 4 and Marc Tyler with our 2nd 5th :).
BroncoMath101 - February 22, 2012
2nd round and then again later in the draft, I hope
Martin and Wilson both interestme.
Willis, bless his heart, would shock me if he got 500 yards next year. Moreno too. Ball is below average. Johnson and Fannin are not players we can count on.
Tolbert is the only RB I would want to give any big money to, but I would not break the bank for him.
Yes please to drafting RB’s.
chikndnnr - February 22, 2012
We will draft one I think.
I can’t telll you where. It will be BPA I believe.
If Miller is there at #25 and other positions of need aren’t, I could see him being the pick. I doubt he will be though.
Wilson or Martin at #57 would be a good pick, but not worth a trade up. they’ll be gone too.
I think there are some very good backs that will be BPA in the 5th round or later.
Like him.
Digger24 - February 22, 2012
3rd
LaMichael James
And also sign Tolbert or Bush.
Fabio Broncos - February 22, 2012
Fox will want to draft a running back early and late
Mcgahee is old and we don’t have any other proven backs. I could see us going Polk in the 2nd and Turbin in the 5th. Besides that hopefully all D
Sean5 - February 22, 2012
I'll take David Wilson in the second. That's a steal right there.
Wilison hardly goes down after first contact. When I watched him in the Michigan game, I was impressed. Almost everytime he was met in the backfield by a defender, but still managed to shake them off and gain 2-3 yards. Those kind of plays don’t end up on the highlights, yet those kind of plays are important in a game—especially a close one. That’s impressive considering how good the michigan defense was. He didn’t do much stats wise. From what I saw, the o-line blocking for him was soft. Then again, Big Ten is known to be a tad physical hehe. I’m sure Wilson could be a 1,000 yard rusher behind the bronco’s big uglies. Also the guy is a homerun threat everytime he touches the football and also can catch.
I would take either Miller or Wilson, but I like Wilson better.
tiderfootball09 - February 22, 2012
Miller, Wilson, Martin are my three ideal backs
I’d be happy with either of the 3 to be honest. I would rate them 1. Miller, 2. Martin, 3. Wilson. But can’t go wrong with either.
I need to check wilson out some more.
Scotty Payne - February 22, 2012
To be honest, I didn't know who Wilson was before the Michigan game.
I sort of stumpled acrossed him and was impressed. Well other then the 20 yard loss he had, but I was cheering about that one because I’m a michigan fan haha.
tiderfootball09 - February 22, 2012
bfree likes Wilson more than Miller too.
Or maybe he was pulling my chain.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 23, 2012
I watched NFLN last night
and one of the ex players, who name escapes me at the moment, compared Wilson to Moreno. I do not like that comparison haha
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
I saw that too. That was willie mcginnis who made the comparison.
I’d rather have a scout or someone who played the RB position to say who he compares to. I don’t know how he can compare Wilson to Moreno. He should stick to the defensive side of the ball.
tiderfootball09 - February 23, 2012
Yeah him
i dont see it either, but the MO on Wilson is, he dances too much, doesnt hit the hole hard and tries to take it outside. Sounds alot like Moreno
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
To me, Wilson's primary game is speed.
Moreno didn’t even have that. He lacked quickness, burst and straight-line speed.
I think Wilson will be better than Moreno. He needs to improve his decisiveness and his vision.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 23, 2012
IMO...Wilson > Moreno...
Mayock has moved him to 2nd behind Richardson…I’m warming up to him and will watch them compete tis weekend.
bfree2bronc - February 23, 2012
best available rb in rd 2
Top notch FA rb’s are too expensive and already have lots of miles on the engine. Draft one with some fresh legs
Calikula - February 22, 2012
Scotty - love the format
I hope you keep these up. I found it a great summary of the situation. Thanks and Rec’d
orange&blue_aussie - February 23, 2012
Thanks man!
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
I agree. Well done.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 23, 2012
There are some things I don't agree with
I disagree with your opinions on Jeremiah Johnson. I don’t know how you formed the opinion that Johnson goes down after little contact.
I don’t get why you are so high on Miller. He isn’t strong. He doesn’t break a lot of tackles. He isn’t a good pass protector.
Yes, the guy is fast and he’s elusive, but that alone doesn’t make him worth a 1st round choice in my opinion.
I would much prefer to take a guy like Martin or Wilson in the 2nd then Miller in the 1st.
I would really prefer to take a guy like Turbin, Polk, or Pierce in the 3rd.
Nick Cast - February 23, 2012
Did you watch johnson play?
sure he’s fast, but after little contact, he went down quickly. He’s just not that good anyways.
Sure he doesnt break alot of tackles, but that’s not his game. He’s a shifty, elusive back, who has great vision, excellent burst and great straight line speed. He’s a homerun waiting to happen. He’s also a solid receiver out of the backfield.
Yes he needs work at pass blocking, he really wasnt asked to do it much in miami, so who knows how good or bad he is.
To me, he’s very comparable to LeSean McCoy.
I still don’t understand why people want to wait later in the draft to draft a running back. Shanahan spoiled alot of you
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
I can talk just by myself
I want a 2nd (but prefer a 3rd) rounder RB because of the risk of a pick at this position. Also the durability of these players are lower. I could suggest you to read the frontpage article by Topher for further details.
However, as we really need to find a good RB now, I wouldn’t be sad if we select Miller. I’d pick Wilson in the 2nd (or James or Polk in the 3rd) and sign a power back like Bush or Tolbert though.
Fabio Broncos - February 23, 2012
I do understand that, but the risk is there for every player
I mean one hit can change everything. We’re a run first team, and have a need at an important position on the offense, so why pass up on the talent?
Now ideally i would take wilson/martin in the 2nd and take best DT/DE/CB available in the first.
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
Good point
Indeed the risk is out there for every single pick… However it increases a lot when we are talking about a RB.
Because of the need we have at RB since we are a run-first offense, I’d be ok with a 1st round RB. Anyway I feel confident about the next draft.
Fabio Broncos - February 23, 2012
Normally i would look at later round RB's
but we have Tebow at QB, so we need a strong run game to help him out. Fox has a history of taking backs early. I agree we have other needs, but we can’t just pass up talent.
It all comes down to who is available and our board
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
Nobody is saying wait until round 6 to draft a running back, but using a premier pick on a player who will be sharing a starting job is a waste of assets. With your 1st round pick, you better be getting a starter and someone who makes an impact on your team year 1.
John Fox uses a stable of backs. He spreads out the wealth. With that style of offense, using 1st round picks on running backs is foolish.
Using a 2nd round pick on a Wilson/Martin or a 3rd round pick on Turbin, Polk or Pierce is a great move that improves this football team. Those 5 guys can more then handle being a part of a stable of running backs.
Like I said, being a home run hitter doesn’t mean he is a first round pick. As an RB, you better be able to do EVERYTHING good and some things great in order to be a 1st round pick and I don’t see that from Miller.
Nick Cast - February 23, 2012
Well he took Williams and Stewart in the 1st round in two years
So he can be “foolish”.
Personally i’d like to go Martin in the 2nd, but i really think EFX will look hard at Miller at 25
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
Did Fox draft those guys or did the Panthers GM draft those guys?
The answer doesn’t matter because John Elway is running the show and he hasn’t shown any inclination as to whether or not he would draft a RB in the first round.
Nick Cast - February 23, 2012
John Elway isn't running the entire show
comon now. Fox has input on what players he wants, to build his scheme around. I mean he is the coach. For “Fox Ball” to work, he needs a strong running game. History shows he likes one bigger back, and one fast back, a 1A,1B at RB. We have the bigger back role filled with McGahee. Now, we need the speed guy, Miller/Wilson/even Martin fit that role. Plus Tebow is a young, raw passer. We need a strong run game to help him out. A versatile, homerun threat, who can carry the ball 15-20 times if needed, and who’s also a weapon in the passing game would be huge for him.
You say, we can get a back later in the draft, sure we could, but thats not how Fox works. He gets his starters in the 1st/2nd round. Again you will say “Elway Runs The Show” don’t be so naive. Like i said, Fox has a say in what players he wants for his scheme. Sure Elway makes the pick, but saying he is “The Man” is wrong. If anything, Elway should know the importance of a strong running game, without it, he probably wouldn’t have any rings.
Will it be Miller at 25? I have my doubts, and he isn’t my first choice. Depends what DT is available and what we do in Free Agency. But i fully expect us to at least add one runner in the draft
Scotty Payne - February 24, 2012
Elway is running the show.
At least in his mind he is. Haha. If he actually was running the show, I would hope he would learn to shut up. Loose lips sink ships.
Digger24 - February 24, 2012
This is a deep draft for RBs
I can see the FO potentially drafting 2 RBs this season.
I am glad you have reached similar conclusions to me regarding the RB FAs. Also need to look at the cost of an average RB in FA to that of any RB drafted last year.
Currently my RB grades are
1 – Richardson
2 – Miller (his ceiling might mean he becomes 1st rounder), Martin, Pierce (end of 2nd)
3 – Wilson, Polk, James, Pead
4 – Turbin
5 – Hillman
I didnt vote because I dont think you can say which you round you will draft any player, you play the board for what it is but these are the rounds which I would consider the main players.
SteveUK - February 23, 2012
I can see it too
a back in rounds 1-2 and another in 4-5 range.
To me it really depends who’s available at 25. If all the first tier DT’s are gone, i could see us going RB. Ideally id love us to get a DT at 25, and Doug Martin in the 2nd.
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
If think we should be weary about assigning one position for our 1st round pick. We dont want to overdraft and we want to improve this roster every time we get to the draft. Pick the player who upgrades them roster every pick you have in the 1st 3 rounds and then pick the BPA every pick after that regardless of position.
SteveUK - February 23, 2012
Right, depends the board
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
CB at 25.
DT at 57. RB at 88.
Digger24 - February 23, 2012
Depends who's there and what we do in FA
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
I know you won't agree here
but this ist he order I want regardless of FA aquistions.
Digger24 - February 23, 2012
I agree
i want a DT at 25, im just skeptical one will be there. Brockers, Still, Fletcher can play 4-3 DT and 3-4 DE so they could go early. Fletcher is a pass rushing DT and may not be at 25. Poe is a 3-4 NT and could be drafted high based on that.
CB depends on who they value higher. Dennard and possibly Jenkins may be available. I see good value in the second for corners though. Brandon Boykin, Trumaine Johnson and Chase Minnifield.
I expect us to get a DT and CB via Free Agency though, so we could go in a different area of need in the draft.
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
Apparently Trent Richardson had a "minor" procedure on one of his knees
And he may not even run at the Combine because of it. The question is, do we consider taking him at #25 if he falls that far?
ElwayFanJ - February 23, 2012
I would.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 23, 2012
He won't fall. Cinci will take him at 17
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
I'd consider that a huge fall
We’re talking about a top 5 talent
ElwayFanJ - February 23, 2012
I meant fall to us
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
Gotcha
Agreed too, there is no way he slips past the Bengals unless the knee injury is more serious than they’re saying.
ElwayFanJ - February 24, 2012
I would take Richardson in a heart beat!
If he falls some where between 10-15, I say go get him. Remember, Adrian Peterson had a knee injury too before the draft and that caused him to fall. I’m sure the teams that passed on him wish they would have taken him. If that happens with Richardson, I sure hope EFX go get him. I’m sure Fox would love to have him.
tiderfootball09 - February 23, 2012
Cinci will get him, they have 2 first rounders and want a RB
Scotty Payne - February 23, 2012
The broncos could always hop over them though. That's a guy I wouldn't mind trading up for if he fell out of the top ten.
tiderfootball09 - February 23, 2012
RB is the one position I wouldn't trade up for
Especially for a guy who just had his knee scoped
ElwayFanJ - February 24, 2012
It was a very minor scope...no big deal
Scotty Payne - February 24, 2012
Miller in the first.
I’ve practically typed “War and Peace” explaining why I want Miller, so I won’t belabor it further here.
Agent Jerry Fletcher - February 23, 2012
I would like to see us have three Running Backs
Willis Mcgahee
Mike Tolbert
Doug Martin
and Spencer Larsen at FB
Bleedorange - February 23, 2012
RE: Mike Tolbert
I actually don’t think Tolbert would be a great fit in our system. Perhaps the main reason Tolbert is effective in San Diego is because of San Diego’s elite passing game. I think, if healthy, someone like Ryan Grant would be a much better fit. Nice post.
swg777 - February 23, 2012
That's true.
I like tolbert more as a FB/RB. A guy who can carry the ball 5-10 times if needed, and also be a weapon out of the backfield.
I don’t know about Grant, he’s older and beat up.
Scotty Payne - February 24, 2012
Probably draft one, sign one udfa...
bfree2bronc - February 23, 2012
i can see that, or take one in the later rounds
Scotty Payne - February 24, 2012
I hate our RB depth.
How in the world did we lead the league with that mess of backs. Johnson is a PS player at best. Ball needs to be bounced to another team. Moreno was so over rated coming out of college. McGahee is awesome. The problem is he is 30 years old. And even if his contract ends after this year, I think we will re-up him for a couple more years he has left. I think this offseason is just as hugh for our RB’s as it is for our Dline, if not more important.
My personal opinion is we need to pick up a young RB that can help split carries with McGahee, or draft Miller at #25. Martin is the only other back in, besides Richardson, that I think could come in a push McGahee day 1. Foxy likes his 1st round picks with Williams and Stewart.Alot of us wanted EFX to go get Williams last year, and he would have do really good in our system. I don’t consider them busts, but his 2nd round backs, Foster and Shelton didn’t do that much. Foster had a okay career, but Shelton was a big disappointment.
If we are going to draft a back early, I think we bring in a back to help push Moreno out the door. Forsett or Norwood would be great additions.
So I think it will be either: McGahee, Miller/Martin, Forsett/Moreno. OR
McGahee, Tolbert/Grant, Turbin/Moreno.
Bron#1 Fan - February 23, 2012
I like both Tolbert and Forsett
Both have proven they can be successful in the NFL. Both are used to not being the top banana, so to speak, so it appears they wouldn’t mind a RB-by-committee approach. Both have good hands out of the backfield, both pass protect at a competent level and both are used to playing special teams.
Give me either one, although I would prefer Tolbert because stealing him away from the Dolts would make it that much sweeter!
BroncTastic - March 5, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Mile High Report to post a comment.