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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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Devontae Booker
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 31: Running back Devontae Booker #23 of the Denver Broncos is tackled by cornerback Kenneth Acker #25 of the Kansas City Chiefs during the fourth quarter at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 31, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. The Chiefs defeated the Broncos 27-24. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Prediction: Devontae Booker

Despite losing C.J. Anderson this offseason, the Broncos seem to be in a good place at the running back position.

I think that the starting spot is Devontae Booker’s to lose, especially early on. That being said, both De’Angelo Henderson and Royce Freeman should get every opportunity to compete for snaps during training camp as well.

If one of them can significantly outshine the others, there is no reason why they shouldn’t get the job. Booker has shown that when healthy, he can be an effective playmaker for the Broncos. One of the biggest differentiators will be which of the running backs is best able to help protect Case Keenum, and Booker will be the most experienced in that department come training camp.

Henderson has shown the ability to be an effective back early in his career, even with the limited opportunities he saw last season. It is common for players to see a huge jump in production from their rookie to sophomore seasons, and I wouldn’t be surprised if we saw that from Henderson in 2018.

I expect him to go into the season second on the depth chart but wouldn’t be surprised if he rose or fell depending on his rate of production.

Royce Freeman was dominant during his time in Oregon and has all the tools necessary to step in and compete for the starting job right away. Freeman’s biggest challenge is that he is a year behind Henderson and two years behind Booker on the learning curve.

Because of that, I think he will go into the season as the Broncos third back with a big possibility to move up fast if Booker or Henderson doesn’t produce for the team.

I also wouldn’t be surprised to see the Broncos keep either Phillip Lindsay or David Williams if one of them proves they could play a role on special teams.

– Predominantly Orange staff writer Mason Yellico

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