The Denver Broncos could have a remarkable running game in 2025.
The offensive line is outstanding, finishing No. 1 in the NFL in both run block and pass block win rates per ESPN last year. Now, they just need a running back.
With the NFL Draft less than two weeks away, the Broncos are in line to take a great back if they choose to go that direction.
Denver Broncos could have a remarkable running game in 2025
From Garrett Bolles to Mike McGlinchey, the Broncos offensive line is a stout force to be reckoned with.
Both tackles were very good in 2024, but each of them were outshone by first-team All-Pro Quinn Meinerz at right guard. Meinerz has gone from a gamble in 2021 out of D-III Wisconsin Whitewater to the best guard in all of football over the last four years. He’s a beast of a man who literally tosses trees with his power, and moves mere men with ease.
A few weeks ago, the Broncos O-line was projected to be No. 1 in 2025 in pass protection. That used both ESPN’s Pass Block Win Rate as well as Pro Football Focus grades.
And if you look just at ESPN Run Block Win Rate, Denver was the best. In fact, they were No. 1 in both pass and run blocking.
Warren Sharp dove even deeper this morning. According to him, on non-Javonte Williams rushes the Broncos were No. 1 in short yardage conversion rate, No. 5 in yards before contact per rush, and fifth lowest stuff rate.
last year, the Denver Broncos had the NFL’s #1 ranked blocking offensive line:
#1 in run block win rate (ESPN)
#1 in pass block win rate (ESPN)on non-Javonte Williams runs, they ranked:
#1 in short yardage conversion rate
#5 in yards before contact per rush
#5 lowest stuff rate— Warren Sharp (@sharpfootball.bsky.social) April 11, 2025 at 10:44 AM
Williams has now packed his bags and landed in Dallas. If the Cowboys do what many expect, he’ll be backing up Heisman Trophy Finalist Ashton Jeanty in Big D.
That’s left the Broncos with Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson.
Simply, Denver needs a running back. They know it, everyone knows it. But will they take one in the first round?
Sean Payton could go running back or multiple other positions at No. 20
Sean Payton’s teams have drafted a running back in the first round only twice. Those players were Mark Ingram and Alvin Kamara.
Hey, at least he got his money’s worth. Those are two dynamic backs.
Still, Payton’s taken a back only 12% of his drafts to this point. That seems to go against the team taking one at No. 20 this year.
Most fans in Broncos Country are hungry for a brilliant back, though.
Last year, when the defense was dominant and Bo Nix helped the offense thrive, it was plain as day how bad the running game was. Denver finished 16th in rushing yards, but had a mere 10 explosive runs. And six of them came from Nix.
Payton’s an offensive-minded head coach, so he knows the Broncos need a running back. He likely also knows how good the O-line has been and promises to be.
If Sean Payton and GM George Paton want to go running back, they could move the offense from “good” to “great,” possibly. But only if it’s the right player.
As of now, the aforementioned Jeanty is hands-down the best back.
Right after him, though, there’s Omarion Hampton. At least in my opinion, and ESPN agrees. Hampton is a 6’0″ 221-pound back who’s a downhill runner but also has 4.46 speed. He has all the makings of a three-down back and would be a perfect fit in Denver. He’s a solid pass blocker and has good hands out of the backfield.
NFL.com actually has Hampton as their seventh-best back, with TreVeyon Henderson from Ohio State, Cam Skattebo of Arizona State, and Quinshon Judkins also of OSU in 2-4. Henderson is 5’8″ and 208 pounds, with a little more speed than Hampton (4.43 40-yard dash) and caught a 75-yard touchdown vs. Texas in the College Football Playoff.
Skattebo, who had the second-best NFL Combine performance, can do a little of everything on the field. He also led CFB in tackles missed with 102. Judkins led his teammate Henderson in total rushing yards (1,060-1,016) and scored 14 touchdowns last year.
This is a deep draft in terms of running backs, and Denver should have a great many to choose from if they go that way.
If not, they could take a tight end to learn behind Evan Engram and be the future of the position. Or, they could go along the interior of the defensive line, linebacker, or safety.
The 2025 NFL draft kicks off on Thursday, April 24 at 6 p.m. MT.
