Javonte Williams’ torn ACL can have huge 2023 impact
Javonte Williams tore his ACL in week four against the Las Vegas Raiders. This injury can have a huge impact on the 2023 roster. In what has turned into one of the worst weeks for the Denver Broncos, not only did they lose a stinkfest to the Raiders, but they also lost their best running back for the season, and likely lost him for a couple of games into 2023 as well.
Javonte Williams tore his ACL on Sunday, and the Broncos appear to be spiraling out of control. The battered and bruised team has to suit up again on Thursday night against the Indianapolis Colts, who are also going through some things.
What is the 2023 impact of the Denver Broncos losing Javonte Williams?
The Broncos will likely use a heavy dose of Melvin Gordon and Mike Boone for the rest of the season. I also wouldn’t be surprised if the team looks into the free agent market as well. They could even poach someone else from another team’s practice squad.
I think Melvin Gordon should not see another carry in a Broncos’ uniform. His fourth fumble of the season proved to be a costly one yet again, as the Raiders were able to return it for a touchdown. It’s clear that whatever grip he is using to hold onto the ball simply isn’t good enough. Whatever the coaches are telling him isn’t working, and Gordon has gone from a consistent offensive threat to a massive liability.
As we progress through the 2022 season, into free agency, and into the draft, Javonte Williams’ injury could have a massive impact on the Denver Broncos’ 2023 plans for the position. George Paton, given his history as a front office member, isn’t afraid to invest some draft capital into the position.
And I do believe it’s about 100% certain that Melvin Gordon would not be re-signed this offseason. Mike Boone is also a free agent after 2022, but I could see the team re-signing him as a backup player. The Broncos are set to go into the 2023 offseason with a huge need at running back, and it becomes more uncertain with what kind of recovery Javonte Williams has.
The current 2023 running back free agent market features players like Saquon Barkley, Kareem Hunt, and Rashaad Penny. The team could also look to sign Josh Jacobs or Jamaal Williams if either or any of these players make it to the open market. There appears to be a nice stable of free agent running backs that George Paton could sign if he wanted to look this way.
He could also invest one of his mid-round picks in the 2023 NFL Draft at the position. Javonte Williams was a second-round pick, but perhaps looking into the third, fourth, or fifth rounds could yield a nice player.
I do think Denver should operate as if they have to find a true RB1 in the 2023 offseason, as running backs have a shorter shelf life in the NFL as it is, and there is no guarantee that Javonte Williams will return to his form. I do have faith that George Paton will be able to work his magic here.
In a slightly different change of tune, he could trade a player or two to regain some 2023 draft capital to help jump-start this process. Right now, the biggest needs of the team appear to be on the offensive side of the ball. Besides running back now being a rather big 2023 need, the team needs another wide receiver, a true TE1, and some decent players along the offensive line.