Broncos Draft Prospect: Jeremy Langford, RB, MSU
By Tylor Walden
Oct 4, 2014; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans running back Jeremy Langford (33) runs the ball against the Nebraska Cornhuskers during the 1st half of a game at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
During the second half of the 2014 season, the Denver Broncos found some life in their running game behind C.J. Anderson. Rushing for over 800 yards in just eight weeks is quite remarkable. With Gary Kubiak coming to Denver, he has begun to utilize a new offense for the Denver Broncos that will increase the running back’s role. Jeremy Langford from Michigan State could be the ideal candidate for this new offense.
Jeremy Langford arrived in Denver yesterday to have a pre-draft visit with the Broncos organization, as Mike Klis originally reported. Running back is not exactly a glaring need for the Denver Broncos this season, but perhaps the team has found something in Jeremy Langford that could not be ignored. Either that or they have bigger plans if the team drafts him.
Let us take a look and see what Jeremy Langford can offer to the NFL team that drafts him.
What impresses me the most about Jeremy Langford is his speed. He has the ability to get to the outside and burst up the field. Once he gets past the defensive line, his speed can allow him to separate from the linebackers that are in pursuit. His speed reminds me somewhat of Ronnie Hillman. Having the feet to cut up field and bounce to the outside of the linemen with the middle being covered is quite remarkable.
Jeremy Langford can also do well in pass protection, which is something that is going to be a huge asset to the Denver Broncos, especially since Peyton Manning is under center. Having a running back that can pick up a blitz is quite ideal for the Broncos new zone blocking scheme offense. Jeremy Langford can throw the blitzing linebacker, corner, or safety off path in order to give Peyton Manning more time in the pocket. Give Manning time and he will make defenses pay. This quality of Jeremy Langford would be a solid reason to add him in the draft.
For some running backs, their best attribute is either with speed or strength. Jeremy Langford lacks the strength to become a bruiser as a running back. Therefore, he is not seen as an every down back. Becoming a one-dimensional back can hurt a player’s draft stock. However, teams should not stray away from him if they have a proven running back on the depth chart. Having C.J. Anderson becoming the workhorse back and plugging in Jeremy Langford on third down could be ideal because it would give C.J. Anderson some rest. Plus, they could still utilize Jeremy Langford on third down, because that is more likely when Peyton Manning will pass the football.
Overall, Jeremy Langford could be an ideal player for the Broncos to draft in the middle rounds. He has the speed and the pass protection to make the Denver Broncos offense a lot better. Utilizing him in the offense gives the Broncos a big chance to succeed. This could be one player outside of the Broncos draft needs that I can see them drafting.