Denver Broncos 2018 NFL Draft and free agency needs
5. Running Back
Current players under contract: C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker, De’Angelo Henderson
Impending Free Agents: Jamaal Charles (UFA)
The Broncos’ running back position is not set up too bad for the foreseeable future, with three of their backs from last year’s group — including 1,000 yard rusher C.J. Anderson — still under contract.
The gameplan for the Broncos at this position could change significantly depending on their approach at quarterback.
What will the Broncos do?
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If the Broncos want to go and get a big money player like Kirk Cousins, they may have to make a tough decision to trade or release C.J. Anderson, who has $0 in dead money if they choose to do so.
The Broncos would then have to look to the draft if Anderson is not part of the plans, but cutting him or trading him would be very tough because Anderson is the team’s best pass protecting back by a mile.
Should the Broncos choose to draft their quarterback of the future, it makes no sense to let go of Anderson, who would be a young quarterback’s best friend.
The biggest dilemma at this position is, it remains to be seen if the Broncos feel like Anderson is their back of the future, or if Devontae Booker is. Anderson’s value may never be higher and if the Broncos are just looking to move on from him and get to Booker, then this is the year to do that.
With De’Angelo Henderson’s big play ability and speed, the Broncos have a good combination of backs right now but they don’t really have anyone that can ‘do it all’.
This year’s draft is full of backs, so whenever the Broncos draft one, they’ll get a guy capable of contributing as a rookie should the need arise.