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Denver Broncos training camp 2018 battle: Running Back

By Sayre Bedinger

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 26: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball in for a touchdown during the first quarter of the game against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on September 26, 2015 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) /
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BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes stiff arms Keifer Glau #39 the Northern Colorado Bears at Folsom Field on September 16, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
BOULDER, CO – SEPTEMBER 16: Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes stiff arms Keifer Glau #39 the Northern Colorado Bears at Folsom Field on September 16, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Prediction: Devontae Booker

Presumed starter Devontae Booker is going to have a tough time keeping his job throughout training camp if he doesn’t show progress. The fourth-round pick’s time in Denver is nothing short of disappointing.

Injuries and inconsistency have plagued Booker the last two years leading to this year’s significant investment in the position by Elway.

Rookie running back Royce Freeman is receiving significant hype, but the darkhorse candidate for the job is De’Angelo Henderson. Henderson is poised to see an increase in playing time if he continues to make big plays like he did in the preseason and towards the end of last season.

Ultimately, this is Booker’s job to lose, and if he can hold onto the football and show progress running behind a revamped line, the job is his. Freeman and Henderson will battle for the number two spot with Freeman coming out ahead. I fully expect Henderson to keep the number three spot with undrafted rookie Phillip Lindsay serving as a special team’s player.

Unfortunately, there are only so many spots at the position and rookie David Williams is the odd man out. The big, bruising running back will likely be signed back as a practice squad player and, with the injury history of Booker, will see time on the active roster.

Andy Janovich will remain the lone fullback on the roster heading into this third season as a Bronco. Bill Musgrave has proven adept at customizing his offense to take advantage of the roster talent. Janovich can be a mismatch as a fullback/h-back coming out of the backfield as well as serve as a lead blocker in power formations.

– Predominantly Orange staff writer Andrew Wade

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