Devontae Booker hits the field for 1st Denver Broncos practice

The Denver Broncos have taken the field for their first rookie mini-camp, and after graduating from college, Devontae Booker joined them on Saturday…

The Denver Broncos are back to work with their first rookie minicamp on Saturday, and for the first time, running back Devontae Booker was present…

That last picture is a sight Denver Broncos fans could get used to seeing — Andy Janovich paving the way for Devontae Booker. It’s like a glimpse into the (not so distant) future…

So why make such a big deal out of Booker? After all, he was just a fourth round pick…

With this guy, that’s not really the case. Yes, he was a late fourth round pick, we all understand that. However, the talent didn’t necessarily dictate the draft slot in this case, as a number of really good backs fell to day three of the draft and the Broncos scooped up what some believed to be the second best tailback in this year’s draft behind only Ezekiel Elliott.

I had Booker third behind Elliott and Heisman Trophy winner Derrick Henry, but to get him where they did was absolute robbery for John Elway and the crew. For those who were upset about Elway ‘reaching’ on Adam Gotsis, don’t worry, because they wound up getting a 2nd round caliber player in the 4th.

We’ll chalk that one up as a win.

The Broncos did some work this offseason in their backfield by bringing back C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman. For a period of time there, it seemed like neither would be back. Now, they both will. Some don’t think Hillman is a lock to make the final roster, and he may not be, but I think the coaches like him and he provides the Broncos with a home run threat offensively that they don’t have otherwise.

But that’s another story for another day.

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When I watch Booker play, I see a player very similar to Arian Foster, who was one of the best backs in the league under the staff and in the system the Broncos currently employ. Booker isn’t necessarily exactly like Foster, but they have similar traits and capabilities. He’s not a speed demon, but he is elusive and breaks a lot of tackles. He’s not a plow-ahead type of runner, but he knows how to get yards after contact and make guys miss.

I absolutely loved this draft selection, and think the Broncos have an incredible tandem with he and C.J. Anderson. They’ll keep Janovich on the roster as well, so who will be the fourth back? Hillman, Kapri Bibbs, and Juwan Thompson will all vie for a spot unless the Broncos decide to keep five backs on the roster, which hasn’t always been common on Gary Kubiak rosters.