In a crowded group of running backs, Ronnie Hillman needs to make a big impression to not only be in the rotation, but according to some, to make the team.
As I’ve written before, I don’t think it’s fair to put Hillman on the roster bubble at this point in time, especially after the way he played when healthy (and when dinged up) last year. Hillman helped revive the running game when Montee Ball ultimately was hurt and couldn’t play anymore. Then, Hillman himself got hurt, the ball was turned over to C.J. Anderson, and the rest is history.
Now, it almost feels as though Hillman is back where he was last year — fighting for a roster spot or at least for any type of role in the offense this year. Head coach Gary Kubiak gave a pretty awesome vote of confidence in Hillman on Friday after practice.
“I think Ronnie’s playing really good,” Kubiak said. “The other day, I talked to him and I told him I thought he could practice a little better, finish a little better. He’s responded. The last two days, I think have been his best days. I think the thing I’m most impressed with Ronnie on is I know that when people blitz us, I can leave him on the field. He’ll pick up a blitz. He’ll stand in there.”
For a team breaking in a new offensive line, that is a skill that could ultimately win Hillman a job in itself. Being able to read and pick up a blitz is absolutely critical for a Peyton Manning-led offense, and if Hillman can do that, he’ll not only make the team but he’ll have a prominent role in games.
Kubiak wasn’t done commending Hillman there, however. He compared him to a Pro Bowl running back he coached up in Baltimore…
“For his size, [he] reminds me of [Ravens RB] Justin [Forsett] a little bit, who I had in Baltimore and I had in Houston. A little bit the same type of player.”
Forsett had a monster breakout season in 2014 for the Ravens, and while that comparison doesn’t mean Hillman is going to do the same, the fact that his head coach sees that kind of ability and potential there bodes really well for his chances at seeing the field.
As I’ve said before, I think Hillman has a chance to do very well for himself in this offense, and for his career, he needs this season to be a good one. Hillman is in a contract year with the Broncos, and has been relatively underwhelming since being drafted in the third round back in 2012. Whether he’s struggled with fumbles, consistency, or injury, Hillman has had a rough go of it in his three years in Denver, but with a new coaching staff, he has renewed hope and life for his NFL career, and his career with the Broncos.
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