As the Denver Broncos eye the upcoming draft, there's a lot on the line when it comes to bolstering their backfield alongside J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey. While ESPN's draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. describes this year's running back class as "not deep," there are still opportunities for the Broncos to make a splash, especially as Day 3 rolls around.
Having traded away early-round picks for wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, the Broncos hold the No. 62 overall pick in Round 2. But the real action might begin early on Day 3, where they have picks 108 and 111, giving them a chance to scoop up some promising talent.
Kiper suggests that while the top-tier running backs may not be plentiful, many could fall into the later rounds. He predicts only three to four running backs will be picked by the end of Day 2.
Notre Dame's Jeremiyah Love and Jadarian Price, along with Arkansas' Mike Washington Jr., are the likely candidates to go early. Love is expected to be snapped up within the first 10 picks, while Price, known for his north-south running and kickoff returns, might be a tempting option if the Broncos consider moving up from their No. 62 spot.
Washington, with his impressive 6-foot-1, 223-pound frame and a blazing 4.33-second 40-yard dash, could be an ideal complement to Harvey. After a standout season at Arkansas, he's a name to watch as a potential third-round pick.
Come Day 3, the Broncos will have a variety of running backs to consider. Kiper mentions several prospects, including Kaytron Allen from Penn State, Kaleon Black from Indiana, and Demond Claiborne from Wake Forest. Each comes with their own set of challenges, from Claiborne's fumble issues to Nicholas Singleton's recovery from a broken foot.
The unpredictability of Day 3 could work in the Broncos' favor. History shows that late-round gems like Isiah Pacheco and Aaron Jones have emerged from the depths of the draft to make significant impacts. As Kiper notes, the Broncos might find a hidden talent who slipped through the cracks due to minor inconsistencies or past injuries.
The Broncos' recent fifth-round pick, Audric Estime, may not have panned out as hoped, but he’s found success with the New Orleans Saints. This time around, Denver has the chance to reel in a valuable asset to strengthen their roster. With the right pick, they could uncover the next great addition to their backfield.