Broncos Eye Running Back Reinforcements in 2025 NFL Draft: Payton adn Paton Seek to Bolster Ground Game

The Denver Broncos, fresh off a Wild Card Round exit in the 2024 NFL season, are wasting no time addressing their needs heading into the 2025 NFL Draft. Head coach Sean Payton and General Manager George Paton recently addressed the media,outlining their strategy,wiht a clear emphasis on improving the team’s rushing attack.

Payton, known for his offensive prowess honed during his time with the New Orleans Saints, understands the importance of a strong running game. There are two great allies that help a quarterback: a great defense and an excellent ground game, Payton stated, emphasizing the team’s focus. We will be focused on the Running Back position; it’s a good draft for it.

The 2025 draft class is considered deep at the running back position, offering a variety of skill sets. Payton acknowledged this, saying, There are many runners in this draft, it is indeed certainly an opportunity. There are different types of runners, some are more physical, others more agile, it depends on what you are looking for. This suggests the Broncos are evaluating backs who can complement quarterback Bo Nix and contribute promptly.

Potential targets include standouts like Ashton Jeanty from Boise State and omarion Hampton from North Carolina. Othre names to watch include TreVeyon henderson of Ohio State, Kaleb Johnson from Iowa, and Dylan Sampson of Tennessee. Each brings a unique style to the table, offering Payton and Paton options to diversify their backfield.

Paton elaborated on the specific qualities the broncos are seeking in a running back. Beyond pure rushing ability, pass protection is a key consideration. You don’t see many university backs blocking, so you must look at the player, in the person, in his complexion, in his style of play to know if he is strong enough to be able to block in pass plays, Paton explained. This highlights the importance of a well-rounded back who can contribute in all facets of the offense, similar to how the New England Patriots valued Kevin Faulk for his versatility.

A late-round sleeper could be Kalel Mullings,a linebacker-turned-running back from Michigan. Mullings’ experiance on special teams and willingness to embrace physicality could make him a valuable addition, notably given the emphasis on blocking. Think of him as a potential Mike Alstott-type player, bringing a punishing style to the Broncos’ ground game.

In 2024, the Broncos’ running back committee, consisting of Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Audric Estime, combined for 1,908 rushing yards and 12 touchdowns. Though,with Nix contributing a significant portion of both yards and touchdowns,the need for a more consistent and impactful running game is evident. The Broncos are aiming to reduce the burden on their quarterback and establish a more balanced offensive attack.

While it’s not guaranteed the Broncos will draft a running back early, the team is clearly prioritizing the position. Adding intrigue to the draft, a former Broncos running back will announce the team’s first selection on the second day of the draft, adding a touch of nostalgia and excitement for fans.

The Broncos’ focus on the running back position reflects a broader trend in the NFL: the resurgence of the ground game. As defenses become increasingly adept at stopping the pass, teams are recognizing the importance of a strong rushing attack to control the clock, wear down opponents, and open up opportunities in the passing game. The Broncos, under the guidance of Payton and Paton, are resolute to find the right pieces to build a more formidable and balanced offense in 2025.

Broncos Flashback: Remembering Montee Ball’s draft Day

The 2013 NFL Draft saw the Denver Broncos, fresh off a dominant season led by Peyton Manning, looking to bolster their roster for a Super Bowl run. With the 58th overall pick in the second round, they selected running back montee Ball from the University of Wisconsin. The pick was met with considerable excitement, but how did ball’s career pan out in the Mile High City?

Ball entered the NFL with a stellar collegiate resume. at wisconsin,he tied the NCAA record for career touchdowns with 78,showcasing his nose for the end zone and powerful running style. Many analysts believed he possessed the skills to become a three-down back in the NFL, a crucial component for any team with Super Bowl aspirations. The Broncos, under then-General Manager John Elway, clearly saw the potential.

The Broncos’ running game in 2012, while not terrible, lacked a true game-breaker. Willis McGahee, though a veteran presence, was nearing the end of his career. ronnie Hillman and knowshon Moreno offered flashes, but neither had established themselves as the clear-cut starter. Ball was envisioned as the missing piece, a player who could provide consistent production and take pressure off Manning.

however,Ball’s NFL career never reached the heights many predicted. while he showed glimpses of his potential, injuries and fumbling issues plagued his time in Denver. In his rookie season, he split carries with Moreno, rushing for 559 yards and four touchdowns. The following year,he was expected to take over the starting role,but a groin injury sidelined him for much of the season. He was released by the Broncos in 2015.

Looking back, the selection of Ball raises questions about draft evaluation and the inherent risks associated with projecting college success to the NFL. While Ball possessed undeniable talent,his inability to stay healthy and secure the ball ultimately derailed his career. The NFL is a different beast than college football, says ESPN analyst Mel Kiper Jr., and some players just aren’t able to make that transition successfully.

The Broncos’ experience with Ball serves as a cautionary tale for teams drafting running backs high in the draft. The position has become increasingly devalued in recent years, with many teams opting to use a committee approach rather than investing heavily in a single player. The success of undrafted free agents like Phillip Lindsay (another former Bronco) further underscores this trend.

One could argue that the Broncos’ offensive system, heavily reliant on Manning’s passing prowess, may not have been the ideal fit for Ball’s skillset.Perhaps a team with a more run-oriented approach could have unlocked his full potential. Though, the reality is that Ball’s struggles with injuries and ball security ultimately limited his opportunities, irrespective of the offensive scheme.

The Broncos eventually found success at running back with players like C.J. Anderson, but the memory of Ball’s unfulfilled potential remains a reminder of the unpredictable nature of the NFL Draft.It also highlights the importance of factors beyond talent, such as durability, mental toughness, and the ability to adapt to the demands of the professional game.

Further investigation could explore the Broncos’ draft strategy during that era,examining the team’s overall success rate in the second round and whether they prioritized running back too highly given the other needs on the roster. A comparison of Ball’s career trajectory with other highly touted running back prospects from the same draft class could also provide valuable insights.

While Montee Ball’s time in Denver didn’t live up to expectations, his story serves as a compelling case study in the complexities of player evaluation and the challenges of building a championship-caliber team through the draft. It’s a reminder that even the most promising prospects are not guaranteed success in the unforgiving world of the NFL.