Broncos could target another of Drew Lock’s college teammates
The Denver Broncos certainly bought into Drew Lock in the 2020 offseason, building the entire roster around the young quarterback even drafting his former college teammate and top target in the passing game Albert Okwuegbunam.
Lock revealed after the 2020 NFL Draft had concluded that John Elway and the Broncos’ front office had reached out to him about the possibility of selecting Okwuegbunam before it happened, and when the athletic tight end was still on the board with the team’s top pick on day three, they pulled the trigger.
The Broncos also brought in a former teammate of Lock’s onto the practice squad during the 2020 season in running back Damarea Crockett.
Although there are a variety of former Mizzou players the Denver Broncos could consider in the 2021 NFL Draft, one very intriguing option at a position of need would be running back Larry Rountree.
The Broncos might target a running back higher than the third round, but if they wait to address the position until the third round or later, Rountree is a pretty intriguing option.
Rountree checked into the 2021 Senior Bowl at 5-11, 216 pounds, a rock-solid build for a featured back in the NFL who has surprising acceleration and quickness to go along with some power and tackle-breaking ability.
He had his best season as a college running back during Lock’s final season on campus with the Tigers (2018) when he rushed for 1,216 yards and 11 touchdowns.
#Mizzou RB Larry Rountree III (@LRountreeIII) with the big gain in #SeniorBowl practice pic.twitter.com/CSdC7vMaAu
— Whole Nine Sports (@WholeNineSports) January 26, 2021
Rountree showed well at day one of Senior Bowl practices not only as a runner but in pass protection drills and in one-on-ones as a receiver.
The Denver Broncos need to be on the lookout for a back who could become the team’s featured back as soon as 2021 if need be. The situation with Melvin Gordon seems, at best, to be heading toward a three-game suspension for 2021.
Phillip Lindsay can’t be thrilled about the role he played in 2020 or his contract situation, and he was injured most of 2020 as well.
Royce Freeman has not been the same guy we saw early in 2018 when it looked like he could fit the exact description of guy the Broncos are currently in the market for.
Rountree has a history with the Broncos’ young quarterback, he has the type of size to handle a bigger load in the NFL, and he has a well-rounded enough skill set. The greatest thing in his favor might be the price to acquire him, which could be a third-round pick at the highest.
Keep an eye on another reunion for Drew Lock here as Rountree checks plenty of boxes the Broncos will be looking for.