Previewing the Denver Broncos Offensive Skill Depth Chart
Running Back: C.J. Anderson, Montee Ball, Ronnie Hillman, Juwan Thompson, Kapri Bibbs
Jan 11, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back C.J. Anderson (22) against the Indianapolis Colts in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Colts defeated the Broncos 24-13. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Back in the days of Shanahan in Denver, having five running backs on the roster might have been a legitimate option. Of the five guys listed above, it would stink to see anyone go unless the Broncos are able to work out a trade.
In all honesty, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them try to trade Ball or Hillman this year after last year’s emergence of C.J. Anderson, who won’t be given the featured back role this year, but will have every opportunity to keep it claimed as his own.
Anderson, who was called ‘chubby’ by Adam Gase (now in Chicago) made the Pro Bowl after a phenomenal finish to last season where he nearly eclipsed 1,000 yards and proved his worth as a receiver and pass protector for Manning.
Ball is the wild card here, with an opportunity to prove to everyone that last season was a fluke and that he is back on the trajectory we saw from him as a rookie. Despite having no fumbling problems in college, Ball struggled early in his rookie season holding on to the football, but he became a very important role player down the stretch and had a dominant performance against the Kansas City Chiefs in KC.
Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) runs the ball during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
If he can re-emerge this season, the Broncos have a perfect two-headed monster as the lead backs in this offense, but Ronnie Hillman and Juwan Thompson are right on his heels.
Hillman provided the spark the Broncos needed for their running game last year after a disappointing first two seasons with the team. He has excellent speed and explosiveness, but after last year, it’s fair to question his reliability in terms of staying healthy.
Thompson had the Broncos’ longest run last season, and also finished with three rushing touchdowns. He is also a phenomenal special teams player, receiver, and blocker.
Oct 23, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Juwan Thompson (40) celebrates with running back Ronnie Hillman (23) after scoring a touchdown during the second half against the San Diego Chargers at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. The Broncos won 35-21. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
It’s going to be sparse carries for fantasy football players, but for the team, Thompson means a lot.
Kapri Bibbs is a player I’m really rooting for. He finished last year on the Broncos’ practice squad, but they really liked his development enough to keep him around all year despite interest from other teams, and I think he’s also a very good fit for the new offense.
He has the offseason and pre-season to prove that he’s worthy of a roster spot and possibly pushing one of these other guys out via release or trade.
Next: Wide Receiver