When rookie general manager George Paton agreed to become the GM for the Denver Broncos, he knew there were immediate and tough decisions to be made.
In what was controversial to many fans and media, the first-year GM Paton decided it wasn’t in the team’s best interest to retain fan-favorite running back Phillip Lindsay. While Lindsay is a playmaker, I am not one who disagrees with Paton’s decision.
It’s understood that you can never have enough playmakers in your offense. That being said, if a specific playmaker is not in an offense that is going to allow him to make plays, then the fit simply isn’t there.
Lindsay will always be loved in Broncos Country, but I think it was in both parties’ interest to go their separate ways. In efforts to fill out this backfield with legitimate depth, Paton brought in a familiar face from his time in Minnesota, Mike Boone.
In Boone’s three-year stint with the Minnesota Vikings, he saw the field in spurts mainly. Boone was the special team’s ace as he played behind Dalvin Cook, Alexander Mattison, and Latavius Murray. Boone did see some time as RB1 due to injuries but is best served as RB3.
To further his efforts, Paton and the Denver Broncos used a premium pick in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft by selecting Javonte Williams, 35th overall. Melvin Gordon will also be returning for his second season.
Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams will be the 1-2 punch that was formerly seen as Melvin Gordon & Phillip Lindsay. Boone should be filling in as the third running back on this roster as well as continuing to be a special teams ace.
In part two of my mini-series, I’d like to take a look at how the Denver Broncos running back room might look in 2021. As it stands today, the current room is slated as:
- Melvin Gordon
- Javonte Williams
- Mike Boone
- Royce Freeman
- LeVante Bellamy
- Damarea Crockett
One thing for certain, a few of these guys will not be a part of this team’s official 53-man roster; so who will be?
1. Melvin Gordon
In his first year with the Denver Broncos, Melvin Gordon rushed for 986 yards and 9 touchdowns, while hauling in 32 receptions for 158 yards and 1 touchdown.
While some may have expected more from Gordon due to his rich contract, I think he performed admirably. Two of my favorite plays from the 2020 season came from Gordon, his touchdown reception against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and his 4th quarter touchdown run against the New York Jets.
While dealing with possible legal troubles and a floundering offense, Gordon was still able to maintain. Surrounded by youth and injuries across the board, Gordon was the offensive MVP in my opinion. If it wasn’t for Gordon, this offense would have lived in quicksand.
As he has in previous years, Gordon did struggle with fumbles. This is something he has to clean up if this offense wants to be more efficient. In most cases, it seemed Gordon was just extending plays trying to make something happen, but ultimately caused mistakes on his behalf.
What will year two in Pat Shurmur’s scheme bring Melvin Gordon?
In 2020, Melvin Gordon averaged just over 65 rushing yards a game. In 2021, I expect that number to increase with a better, healthier, and more mature offense. Keep in mind there will also be 17 games in 2021, compared to just 16.
Gordon may see around 1,100-1,200 yards rushing in 2021, along with 10 touchdowns. His production through the air should also increase in 2021, projecting 51 receptions totaling around 350 yards and two scores.
When the 2021 season comes to a conclusion, Melvin Gordon will again be an unrestricted free agent. That being the case, I expect the Denver Broncos to get their value out of Gordon this season. Touches will certainly be split somewhat with rookie Javonte Williams, but I expect Gordon to get the lion’s share at the beginning of the season.
It makes the most sense to try and pull production from the guy you’re paying $8 million to. Not only does this bring the most value, but it also keeps tread off of Williams’ tires.
2. Javonte Williams
With the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos selected Javonte Williams. Not only did they select Willaims with a premium pick, but they also traded up to do so.
There has been some backlash on selecting a running back in the second round, but do we hear people speaking ill of the Dalvin Cook selection?
Personally, I loved the selection. Having a solid, bell-cow-back like Williams on a rookie contract will serve wonders to this franchise moving forward. With players like Courtland Sutton and Dalton Risner coming up on contract extensions, this will soften the blow.
While 2021 may not be Javonte Williams’ coming out party, what are some realistic expectations for him?
In a full 17-game rookie season, I expect Williams to rush for somewhere between 700-800 yards and 7-8 total touchdowns. Fully capable of being a threat out of the backfield, Willaims could see 25 receptions for around 200 yards, potentially placing him over 1,000 total scrimmage yards as a rookie.
If the Denver Broncos 1a & 1b running backs produce over 2,000 total scrimmage yards and 20 touchdowns, I would consider that as a success. This duo could honestly surpass these predictions, the only issue being how many weapons this talented offense has.
Having a rookie campaign like this would help put Willaims in a prime position to take the reigns as the 1a back in 2022.
3. Mike Boone
Filling out the Denver Broncos 2021 running back room is the free-agent acquisition Mike Boone.
Boone signed a two-year contract worth roughly $3.8 million, per Spotrac. I wouldn’t expect Boone to come in and be a game-changer. Albeit, when thrust into a predominant role, Boone did show he’s serviceable.
In his young, three-year career, Boone has rushed for 379 yards and 4 touchdowns. His most productive year came in 2019 when Boone rushed for 273 yards and three touchdowns.
Boone does provide some special teams ability as well, which could improve Tom McMahon’s at times, leaky unit.
Outside of playing special teams, what could Mike Boone bring to the Denver Broncos in 2021?
Barring an unforeseen injury or suspension, Boone shouldn’t see too many offensive touches in the upcoming season. He may see around 40 overall touches, inching towards 200 total yards and a pair of touchdowns.
Those numbers certainly do not wow anyone, but he will be the team’s third back. Gordon & Williams should see a heavy dosage in this offense, but Boone will be an asset to this team via special teams.
While it inst statistical, Boone does provide a veteran presence if something were to happen with Gordon. He is also someone who has not only familiarity with George Paton, but his trust as well.
That alone stands for something.
Roster Cuts & Trades:
As for the remaining running backs currently on this roster, I think only one is active on a 53-man roster in 2021 — Royce Freeman.
Whether it is via trade or picking claimed from another franchise, Freeman has proven to be a capable back when called upon. One team I think should pursue Freeman is the Cleveland Browns.
With an emerging roster, the Browns are ready to compete in 2021. Adding Freeman could be a viable substitute for Nick Chubb’s role in their offense if needed. While they still have Kareem Hunt, they seem to run off of a two-back look, and Freeman could be great insurance for a mere 7th round pick in 2022.
LeVante Bellamy will more than likely find himself on the Broncos practice squad in 2021.
Bellamy is a back that has been around this team but has never had a real opportunity. I’d be curious to see what he could do if pressed into action.
Damarea Crockett may have a chance at the practice squad, but I see him as someone who will be released from the team completely.
Denver Broncos: Analyzing every 2021 undrafted free agent
The Denver Broncos have a rich history of developing undrafted players. Which players in their 2021 class have a chance to make it?
This running back room will play a pivotal role in the Denver Broncos season. As it stands today, I’d consider this room to be on the upper-echelon side of the league. Having the two-headed monster attack in Gordon & Williams should help this offense turn the corner they’ve desperately been attempting to in 2021.