5 Denver Broncos players making the Pro Bowl in 2022

Denver Broncos Pro Bowler No. 2: Javonte Williams, RB

Last season, the Denver Broncos boasted the NFL’s best running back tandem in Melvin Gordon and Javonte Williams. The two combined for over 2,300 total yards and 17 touchdowns through the air and ground.

In his rookie season, Williams racked up 1,219 total yards and 7 touchdowns while evenly splitting carries with Gordon. In his only start last season, Williams piled up 160 total yards and a touchdown on 27 touches.

But what really made Williams’ rookie season so special is that he did it all while obliterating opposing defenses on a weekly basis. Williams forced 63 missed tackles, the second most in the NFL. Additionally, his 0.31 missed tackles per carry was the highest rate among all running backs since Marshawn Lynch in 2014.

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Unsurprisingly, the Broncos felt confident moving forward with Javonte Williams as the new starting running back. Unfortunately for Gordon, it also meant the Broncos felt no need to re-sign him in the offseason and ultimately let him walk. However, after not finding much in the open market, Gordon agreed to return to the Broncos on a one-year, $2.5 million deal.

It’s important to note that Gordon’s $2.5M cap hit this season is $5.5M less than last year, a difference significant enough to potentially play a factor in the Broncos’ ball distribution this upcoming season. Meaning the team will no longer be as obligated to keep giving Gordon the ball, as they aren’t paying him as much.

This could result in a monster second season for Javonte Williams. As previously seen in Green Bay, Hackett seems to allow talent to dictate running back touches. If that is the case, there is no question Williams will be taking most of the volume and be primed to make his first Pro Bowl this coming season.  Nevertheless, with the duo reuniting once more, their dominance should carry into this upcoming season.