Denver Broncos 5 options to replace Javonte Williams in 2023
By Andrew Wade
Denver Broncos could look to the 2023 NFL Draft
If the Denver Broncos choose to now sign one of the top free-agent running backs in the 2023 offseason, they will likely be turning their attention to snagging a running back out of college. And to be honest, even if they do snag a free-agent running back, they are likely targeting a running back in the 2023 class anyways.
The only issue is that Denver has limited draft capital to work with. Fortunately, running back is a position where value has historically been found throughout the entire NFL Draft and even in the undrafted free agent classes. Heck, the greatest running back in Denver Broncos history, Terrell Davis, was a 6th round pick.
While the college football season is still young and there is plenty of time for movers up and down at the running back position, right now it appears guys like Michigan’s Blake Corum, UCLA’s Zach Charbonnet, and Alabama’s Jahmyr Gibbs could be available on day two or even early on day three.
Blake Corum is an explosive running back averaging 6.6 yards per carry in his junior season at Michigan to go along with 2 touchdowns per game. He is elusive (22 missed tackles forced this season), but doesn’t project as an every-down back.
Zach Charbonnet is a bit bigger of a back than Blake Corum and projects better as an every-down running back at the next level. Even with more size and strength than Corum, he still provides explosiveness to be a breakaway kind of guy. He also can contribute in the passing game.
Finally, Jahmyr Gibbs is an interesting draft prospect. He’s not as big as Charbonnet and doesn’t possess as good of vision as Corum, but he has soft hands and breakaway speed. He is averaging 8.8 yards per carry and has the 4th highest breakaway percentage amongst qualifying NCAA running backs.
As we get closer to the draft, we will continue breaking down potential running back draft candidates for the Denver Broncos because as I mentioned earlier, even if George Paton signs a free agent, he will likely be dipping his toes back into the draft to see if he can uncover some running back gems.