Broncos 2022 Training Camp Preview: Running backs

The Denver Broncos could be in a Super Bowl window in 2022. They have moved on from head coach Vic Fangio and replaced him with an innovative offensive mind in Nathaniel Hackett. Gone is the out-of-date offense of Pat Shurmur, replaced by West Coast concepts and a Shanahan-type system all Broncos fans should be familiar with.

With Fangio’s defense gone, the Broncos went out and got a future head coach in new defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero. We should see a more aggressive Broncos defense, and a better Broncos defense because of better coaching and a better understanding of the modern game.

It’s not just the coaching changes that puts the Broncos in a Super Bowl window, it was the blockbuster trade for a superstar quarterback that general manager George Paton was able to execute. Paton traded with the Seattle Seahawks to secure the services of Russell Wilson. With Wilson under center, the Broncos offense should be one of the best in the league. With a high-powered offense led by Wilson, the defense will be playing with a lead – which means they’ll be able to get after the opposing quarterback in ways we haven’t seen since the team won Super Bowl 50.

This is the second year under the guidance of Paton, and the team has done a good job of adding quality players via free agency and the NFL Draft – even though they didn’t have a first-round pick due to the Wilson trade. However, there are questions that need answers before the start of the regular season. In this series at DenverFan.com, we will go through each position group searching for those answers during training camp.

This is the latest part in our Training Camp Preview. Today, we’ll take a deep dive into the running backs:

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Starter: Javonte Williams

I believe Javonte Williams can be a special back in this league. He’s got the potential to not only be a good running back, but I think Williams can be great for the Broncos starting in 2022. Last year as a rookie, Williams had almost 1,000 yards rushing even though he only started one game. Add in his 43 catches, and Williams showcased a three-down skill set for the Broncos as a rookie. Of his 903 yards on the ground, 460 of that was after contact. In fact, Williams had more broken tackles than any player in the league last year. His power that he showcased in college at North Carolina certainly translated to the pro game.

This year, Williams should take over as the lead back. Hackett does implement running-back-by-committee as his approach in the backfield, but there should be a clear leader this year and that’s Williams. Not only is he the younger back, but Williams is also the better runner for the zone-blocking system. The system implemented by Hackett asks the running backs to patiently wait for the proper entry point to the run. Once that spot on the field is reached, the back must decide whether to bend, bang, or bounce. Williams is incredibly smart, and he has a natural feel for the wide zone game.

Williams has power, and defenders will get tired of tackling him as the game wears on. Just like in college, Williams proved that he gets stronger as the game goes on. It’s wise for the Broncos to get Williams into a rhythm early so he can be a dominant force late. The screen game is also going to be used, perhaps quite often, by the Broncos offense and Wilson should have confidence that Williams can be a reliable target in the passing game. There is certainly a scenario, that perhaps is most likely, where Williams sets career-best numbers as a runner and receiver out of the backfield.

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Reserves: Melvin Gordon, Mike Boone, Damarea Crockett, Tyreik McAllister

I didn’t think the Broncos would bring Melvin Gordon back this year. He was an unrestricted free agent this offseason, and he received a cold reception on the open market. The first, second and third waves of free agency passed him by and there was little interest in the veteran back. The Baltimore Ravens entertained the idea of signing Gordon, but nothing came to fruition – and that’s a team with two potential starters (J.K. Dobbins, Gus Edwards) who might not be ready for Week 1 of the regular season. Instead of signing with the Ravens, Gordon chose to come back to the Broncos on a one-year, $2.5 million contract.

Gordon started 16 games for the Broncos in 2021, with Williams starting only one game. Each back had exactly 203 carries, and Gordon led the team in rushing with 918 yards (compared to 903 yards on the ground for Williams). Gordon stood out for the team near pay dirt, compiling eight rushing touchdowns and 10 touchdowns total in 2021. While he was the starter and lead back in the team’s RBBC in 2021, Gordon should see his touches take a dip in 2022. However, with his nose for the end zone I believe Gordon could be involved more when the team gets into the red zone. Also, if Williams needs a breather, then Gordon is there to plug and play.

Mike Boone might have been the best player in training camp last year, regardless of position. Boone signed with the Broncos last year in free agency, then he was criminally underutilized by the former coaching staff. He did miss time on the COVID list late in the year, and Boone only appeared in eight games over the course of the 2021 season. Boone only touched the ball six times last season, and hopefully that number grows this season. He’s an incredibly explosive player, and he brings a skill to the field that others on the depth chart don’t. Boone has the speed to get to the edge as a runner, and he’s got the quickness to be incredibly elusive in the open field as a receiver. I could see a scenario where Boone works in a ‘fast break’ look for the Broncos because of his speed and ability on passing downs. If the Broncos are in comeback mode, then perhaps having Boone on the field at times would be a good plan. He has not been featured much in his pro career, but when he was briefly with the Minnesota Vikings, Boone thrived as the starter. Boone is a great reserve with upside for the Broncos.

Damarea Crockett has been with the Broncos since 2020 as a developmental player. Undrafted out of Missouri in 2019, Crockett bounced around to a few teams before landing in Denver. He’s a larger back, measuring in at 225 pounds, and he’s a hard-charging runner. Crockett does a good job of planting his foot in the ground and exploding into the rushing lane. He’s not a fast back, but Crockett wastes little motion as a runner and has good burst with the ball in his hands. Crockett can live between the tackles and is tough to bring down when he builds a head of steam. I’ve watched him out at practice for a little over a year, and Crockett is a better receiver than advertised. He will have to stand out on special teams if he wants to make the final roster.

Tyreik McAllister was added as a priority free agent after the draft this year. The rookie from Charleston is not a big back, measuring in at just 180 pounds. He’s a playmaker who is dangerous anytime he touches the rock as a runner, receiver or return man. McAllister is quick, but I mostly like the way he can make moves, change direction, and not lose much speed when he does it. This gives him ankle-breaking ability, and McAllister has the agility to make defenders look silly. I also appreciate his versatility as he can contribute on special teams as a return man, line up in the backfield to take handoffs or catch swing passes, plus he can line up in the slot and run routes as a receiver if need be. The Broncos should find a way to keep him on the practice squad.

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Summary

Williams is going to lead the way on the ground for the Broncos this year. He can be a league-leading rusher, especially in Hackett’s system. The Broncos are going to “let Russ cook,” but that begins with the ground game. A strong rushing attack will help set up the passing game for the Broncos. It will also be able to close out games after Wilson and the passing attack builds a lead. It’s going to be exciting to see what Wilson cooks up, but he will have some help in the proverbial kitchen. That is going to be Williams.

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