Denver Broncos training camp preview: Running backs

28 – Jamaal Charles

Age: 30 – Contract: 1 year, $1,484,375 cap hit

When the Broncos signed Jamaal Charles to a one-year contract, it sort of shocked the football world.

What did John Elway know the rest of the league didn’t?

After all, Charles had been cut from the Kansas City Chiefs who desperately needed the cap relief, but he passed a physical in Denver and signed an incentive-laden deal that could wind up being very beneficial for all involved parties.

Charles claims he’s back to 100 percent health, and if that’s true, the rest of the league should be very afraid.

The Broncos lacked the element of deep speed in the backfield last year without Ronnie Hillman, and even tried to bring him back at one point before he was claimed off of waivers.

With a healthy Charles, the Broncos have a dynamic trio of backs at the top of the depth chart that can provide a great combination of power, speed, pass blocking, and pass catching ability.

Charles is a veteran in this league and the elder of the Broncos’ running back group, but he may bring the lightning to Anderson and Booker’s thunder.