Denver Broncos: Offensive players that could shock in preseason

3. Adam Prentice, FB

It’s time to make fullbacks prominent again.

Pat Shurmur did not utilize the fullback position a whole lot last season for the Denver Broncos. It could be making a comeback.

Shurmur has to have seen all of the film from the 2020 season and realize just how crucial a consistent running game is.

The fullback can still help with that, even in today’s NFL.

Adam Prentice was not just brought in for the fun of it. And he remains part of the Denver Broncos’ roster for a reason.

The Broncos also still have Andrew Beck, who can double as a tight end, but Prentice is a true throwback at the fullback position who is as gritty, hard-nosed, and carefree as they come when it comes to getting any sort of attention.

He may not be Andy Janovich, but he’s cut from the same cloth.

With Prentice making an impression at training camp by flattening some linebackers and defensive backs already, he has an opportunity in preseason games to make himself uncuttable and reestablish the fullback’s presence in Denver’s offense.

Although it’s not necessarily Pat Shurmur’s preferred brand, the Broncos are going to need to be consistent running the football to have success in 2021, and having a fullback that can flatten guys at the second and third level is a huge help.

The former Colorado State star will do that dirty work.

Especially with how good Drew Lock has been off of play-action, having a fullback that can catch passes out of the backfield might become essential for the Broncos in 2021.