Denver Broncos: Running back position preview and season outlook

Devontae Booker, age 26

The ‘veteran’ of the running back group is Devontae Booker, a fourth-round pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The former Utah Utes runner was expected to be as high as a second-round pick when he came out of college, but some injury concerns pushed him to day three where much of Broncos Country was clamoring for John Elway to draft him.

Elway and the Broncos’ front office were apparently on the same page as the fan base and drafted Booker who ended up leading the team with 614 yards rushing as a rookie.

Starting only six games, Booker finished with four touchdown runs and also added 31 receptions, but didn’t blow anyone away as he did in college due to a change in running style after struggling with some fumbles.

Those struggles started on his very first NFL carry, which he fumbled in the season opener against the Carolina Panthers.

It was disappointing, too, because the run was actually a very good one.

Booker’s fumble total was cut in half this past season (from four to two) but his usage was also down quite a bit.

The Broncos eased Booker back into action after a wrist injury in training camp and he ended up only playing in 13 games with just 79 carries.

Booker re-established himself as a receiver with 30 catches out of the backfield last season, but he’s got a lot to prove if he wants to be the team’s featured back.