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Broncos Preseason: Ronnie Hillman’s Last Stand

By Cameron Parker

Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) celebrates scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos defeated the Chargers 27-20. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman finds himself on the bubble, yet again as the team square off against the Arizona Cardinals in preseason week 4

The Denver Broncos drafted Ronnie Hillman in 2012 out of Sand Diego State to be the change of pace back the team needed him to be, but unfortunately he has not lived up to expectations. Tonight against the Arizona Cardinals, Hillman has one last stand to prove he is worthy of a roster spot.

Hillman had his best season last year with the Broncos totaling 863 yards and averaging four yards a carry when he gets those touches. Argument the offensive line play could have been better has merit; however, at times Hillman would not hit the proper holes at times warranting lesser yardage. The depth of the Cardinals on defense will be a great test for Hillman to make one final case for the 53-man roster.

Once the Broncos drafted Devontae Booker out of Utah in this year’s NFL Draft, Hillman found himself in bubble territory yet again. Booker is the more talented back between he and Hillman; however, it could be Hillman’s change of pace style that forces the Broncos to keep him on the roster. Hillman showed off his electrifying talent in the third preseason game against the Rams registering 45 yards on five carries.

Special teams will end up being the deciding factor to Hillman’s role with the Broncos and if the makes the final cuts. Yet, he has a certain skill set, which could be valuable to the Broncos running attack. Hillman’s jump cut and quick one-cut action to find daylight as a runner open up his chances to squeeze into the 53-man roster. He has shown the capability to be a good short-yardage running back in the NFL, but yet no team wanted him this offseason. Green Bay Packers dangled the idea to bring Hillman in their backfield, but later thought better forcing the Broncos to swoop in to bring the San Diego State Aztec back to the fold.

Hillman’s biggest competition in the preseason game against the Cardinals is Bibbs, who is also vying for a spot on the roster. Bibbs has garnered rave reviews from the coaching staff, forcing many to speculate if he is the driver seat for the final running back spot. Hillman, on the other hand, finds himself in familiar territory as the “bubble guy” on the Broncos roster.

This Broncos fourth preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals is Ronnie Hillman’s last stand to make an impression to remain the Super Bowl champs roster.

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