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Denver Broncos: McCaffrey “Colorado” Reunion Makes Sense

By Cameron Parker

Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) tries to avoid being tackled by Southern California Trojans cornerback Kevon Seymour (13) after running for a first down in the second quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 5, 2015; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) tries to avoid being tackled by Southern California Trojans cornerback Kevon Seymour (13) after running for a first down in the second quarter in the Pac-12 Conference football championship game at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Denver Broncos sputtered on offense all last season, but luckily the NFL Draft is filled with impact players to help right away in 2017.

There is no need at the running back position; however, the impact Stanford Cardinal Christian McCaffrey instantly has an offense is hard to ignore. The Denver Broncos currently see CJ Anderson, Devontae Booker, Kapri Bibbs and Justin Forsett manning the backfield.

Forsett does not seem like an ideal fit given new shift to a different offensive scheme. It helps in an up-tempo offense to utilize a player with varying talents. Enter Christian McCaffrey.

New offensive coordinator Mike McCoy coached a fellow talent in Danny Woodhead in San Diego as head coach. The plus side of McCaffrey coming to Denver is he does everything Woodhead is capable of, but better. McCaffrey’s value as a receiver makes his presence in the passing almost match Tevin Coleman of Atlanta.

A rumbling currently lists the Carolina Panthers interested in McCaffrey with the number eigth pick. This may be true, but it potentially is an upset to see him taken that high. Leonard Fournette and Dalvin Cook are better prospects currently than McCaffrey and likely to be taken before the Stanford Cardinal.

Kyle Shanahan’s creativity of two backs will force teams to re-evaluate how to see their current roster. Despite the addition of Devonate Booker last year, Broncos may create many ways to use McCaffrey in the slot or out of backfield as receiver.

Durability and Skill Set

Once McCaffrey reaches that next level in the secondary he becomes a nightmare to stop. This patience to stop and maneuver his eyes to see holes develop is very rare for a running back in the NFL.

Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 19, 2016; Berkeley, CA, USA; Stanford Cardinal running back Christian McCaffrey (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the California Golden Bears during the third quarter at Memorial Stadium. The Stanford Cardinal defeated the California Golden Bears 45-31. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

McCaffrey touched the ball 437 times proving durability can be a strong suit. He may present a Woodhead skill set, but make no mistake McCaffrey is proven to be a three-down back just by his number of carries in college.

His extraordinary patience parallels that of LeVeon Bell, who became the best back in NFL this season. The size is a concern, but he is creative enough to avoid contact and withstand hits at the next level. In my view, he will be an instant impact player on the Broncos.

McCaffrey even translates this talent on special teams. Special teams lacked in the presence of Jordan Norwood and Kalif Raymond.

Yet, by all indications signs are pointing to Raymond assuming full responsibility in 2017. McCaffrey is an upgrade over Raymond, but in my opinion the impact on offense is greater than special teams.

Best player available is always the mantra by which John Elway operates in the NFL Draft. The expectation is for the Broncos brass to address the needs on the offensive line and defenisve line in free agency leaving McCaffrey as a potential target.

Next: Mike McCoy Prepared to Shake Up Offense

All by himself, McCaffrey makes a bad offense good and a good offense great. No matter who is under center next season the addition of a toy like McCaffrey is hard to pass up.

We will know the fate of Christian McCaffrey and if a team lands him at the NFL Draft. One can only hope a reunion is in store during the month of April.

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