The Denver Broncos are likely to address the running back position in the 2021 NFL Draft and have started to do their due diligence on this year’s class.
The team sent running backs coach Curtis Modkins to UNC’s Pro Day to take a look at Tar Heels running backs Javonte Williams and Michael Carter.
It’s a smart move that is not at all surprising. New general manager George Paton has attended several Pro Days in his short time with the Denver Broncos, including that of NDSU quarterback Trey Lance and offensive tackle Dillon Radunz.
Williams (5-foot-10, 225 pounds), rushed for 2,297 yards, 29 touchdowns, and caught 50 passes for 539 yards and four touchdowns in his time at North Carolina. That includes a 2020 season in which he rushed for over 1,100 yards and scored 19 rushing touchdowns. Incredible.
Carter, who weighs in at 5-foot-7 7/8 and 202 pounds, registered over 1,000 rushing yards in each of the past two seasons at North Carolina in the same backfield with Williams. He caught 82 passes for 656 yards and six touchdowns in his collegiate career.
This should not be “due diligence” for the Denver Broncos
We’ve seen more than ever this offseason that George Paton does his due diligence on collegiate prospects, whether he is interested in them or not.
When it comes to these running backs, I strongly believe that they should be all-in on them.
Catching the football out of the backfield will be important once again in Pat Shurmur’s offense. The Broncos moved on from Phillip Lindsay this offseason, and he wasn’t necessarily a fit in the new offense the team is running.
The Broncos do have Melvin Gordon and Royce Freeman, as well as LeVante Bellamy, Mike Boone, and Jeremy Cox. Gordon and Freeman figure to be the main backs to carry the football as of right now. We could see Bellamy and Cox return to the practice squad again this upcoming season.
The Broncos recently signed Boone from the Minnesota Vikings and he will be fighting for a roster spot.
Broncos: 49ers blockbuster trade impact on George Paton’s plans?
The Denver Broncos weren't involved in any blockbuster pre-draft trade, but they could be one of the number of significantly affected teams.
That being said, adding a running back through the 2021 NFL Draft should be a priority for the Broncos. I personally hope it is one of these two from the University of North Carolina.