Report: Ahead of the 2025 Draft, the Broncos Are Making a Significant Move With Their Coveted RB
Report: Ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft, the Denver Broncos Are Making a Significant Move with Their Coveted Running Back
As the NFL prepares for the 2025 draft, all eyes are on teams making critical moves that could shape their future success. One of the most talked-about franchises this offseason is the Denver Broncos, who have made a significant move with their running back position, signaling that they are gearing up to capitalize on one of the most important and potentially high-impact positions in the game. With rumors swirling about the Broncos’ strategy, this move could have far-reaching implications not just for the team but for the entire landscape of the AFC.
The Running Back Position: A Cornerstone for the Broncos
For years, the Denver Broncos have been a team associated with strong, dominant rushing attacks. From Terrell Davis leading the team to two Super Bowl titles in the late 1990s to more recent stars like Phillip Lindsay and Melvin Gordon, the Broncos have often prioritized their running back position, aiming to establish a physical presence in the backfield. However, in recent years, the team has struggled to find that bell-cow back capable of leading them to consistent success.
In 2025, with the NFL Draft just around the corner, the Broncos have a clear goal: they need a running back who can contribute immediately and be a difference-maker. The success of any football team is largely determined by its ability to establish the run, control the clock, and open up opportunities for the passing game. For the Broncos, this upcoming draft could be the chance to fill a crucial void in their offense.
The Significance of the 2025 Draft for the Broncos
The 2025 NFL Draft promises to be a highly competitive and intriguing event, with top prospects at nearly every position. The running back class is particularly strong, featuring several players who are capable of making an immediate impact. The Broncos, who have struggled in recent seasons to develop a consistent rushing attack, are poised to make a significant move to shore up their backfield.
For the Broncos, this draft could be seen as a pivotal moment for the franchise. With an evolving offense under head coach Sean Payton, the team must balance the need for explosive playmakers with the desire to solidify its offensive identity. While quarterback Russell Wilson continues to adjust to the system, and the wide receiver corps is looking strong, there is one glaring area of need: the running back position.
Broncos’ Running Back History and Recent Struggles
Despite having a rich history of running backs, the Broncos have not been able to find the right player to consistently lead their ground game in recent years. The team has seen various attempts to fill the position with players such as Melvin Gordon, Javonte Williams, and Mike Boone, but no one has fully emerged as the true leader of the backfield.
- Javonte Williams, a second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was seen as the future of the Broncos’ running back position. His combination of size, power, and speed made him an exciting prospect. However, after suffering a significant knee injury during the 2022 season, his future has been uncertain. While Williams has shown flashes of his former self, the Broncos have been cautious about his recovery and his long-term potential as the centerpiece of the offense.
- Melvin Gordon, who was signed as a free agent in 2020, also had his moments with the Broncos but struggled with consistency and ball security. Despite his experience, Gordon was not able to take over the role of a lead back, leading to his departure from the team after the 2022 season.
- Mike Boone, another running back brought in to provide depth, has also failed to fill the void left by the team’s lack of a true starter.
All of these factors have combined to leave the Broncos’ backfield in a state of flux. Although Javonte Williams is still on the roster and could very well reclaim his role as a starter, there’s a clear recognition that the team must improve at the position to return to playoff contention. For that reason, the Broncos are looking to make a major move ahead of the draft.
The Broncos’ Strategy Heading into the 2025 NFL Draft
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches, the Broncos are reportedly making a significant move to acquire a coveted running back. According to reports from NFL insiders, the Broncos are actively working to secure a top-tier running back to anchor their offense, whether through a trade or a high-profile draft pick.
The Broncos’ front office, led by General Manager George Paton, has been scouting the top running back prospects in the draft, as well as keeping an eye on the trade market for a veteran back who could immediately step in and provide production. While they have a talented young back in Javonte Williams, the team is reportedly concerned about his long-term health and wants to hedge their bets by adding additional depth to the position.
The Running Back Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft
The 2025 NFL Draft features several standout running backs who could immediately make a difference for the Broncos. Some of the most intriguing names at the top of the running back rankings include:
- Brock Stevenson (Texas) – Stevenson is widely regarded as the top running back prospect in the draft class. Known for his combination of size, speed, and vision, he is a three-down back who can do it all. He’s an explosive runner with the ability to break tackles and gain big yards after contact, but he also excels in the receiving game. Given the Broncos’ need for a dynamic playmaker who can contribute both in the ground game and in the passing attack, Stevenson would be an ideal fit.
- Derrick Richards (Georgia) – Another standout in the 2025 class, Richards is a physical, downhill runner who punishes defenders with his size and strength. He’s capable of wearing down defenses over the course of a game and would help the Broncos establish a physical presence in the running game. While he may not have the same top-end speed as some other prospects, Richards is known for his consistency and his ability to grind out tough yards.
- Cameron “Cam” Thomas (Alabama) – A versatile back with excellent burst and agility, Thomas is a player who can excel both as a traditional runner and as a pass-catcher out of the backfield. His ability to make defenders miss in the open field and his vision as a ball-carrier make him a dangerous weapon in space. For a Broncos offense that could use a dynamic playmaker in the backfield, Thomas represents a great fit.
- Jaden Mitchell (Ohio State) – Mitchell is a highly explosive running back with the ability to change direction on a dime. His agility and acceleration make him a threat to take it to the house on any given play. Although not as physically imposing as some other prospects, Mitchell’s quickness and ability to evade tacklers could make him a major asset to the Broncos’ offense.
Why the Broncos Need to Act Fast
With the 2025 draft looming, the Broncos need to act quickly if they want to secure one of the top running back prospects. The running back market is expected to be highly competitive, with several teams in need of a dynamic back. If the Broncos are serious about adding a cornerstone back to their roster, they will need to be aggressive in their approach.
Reports have indicated that George Paton and the Broncos’ front office are preparing for all possibilities, including making a trade to move up in the draft to secure a coveted back or potentially acquiring a running back through a trade with another team. The Broncos’ position in the draft order will play a significant role in their ability to land a top-tier running back. The team is likely to consider several factors, including the projected draft value of certain players, and the overall offensive needs of the team.
Additionally, while the Broncos do have some talented young players at the position, including Javonte Williams, they are clearly not willing to bank solely on his health and recovery. By acquiring a new running back, the team could not only provide insurance against potential injuries but also give themselves the flexibility to experiment with different offensive schemes.
What This Means for the Broncos’ Offensive Strategy
Should the Broncos successfully add a top-tier running back in the 2025 draft or via trade, it could fundamentally change the way they approach their offense. A dominant backfield presence would take pressure off of Russell Wilson, who has struggled to find consistent rhythm in Denver’s offense since his trade to the team. With an effective running game, Wilson could benefit from more balanced play-calling, fewer defenders in the box, and an increased ability to execute play-action.
Additionally, the presence of a true number one running back could help the Broncos’ offensive line, which has been inconsistent in recent years. A powerful back capable of picking up tough yards would take some of the burden off the pass protection unit and open up opportunities for both the running game and the passing game.
For head coach Sean Payton, who is known for his offensive ingenuity, this move would likely represent a long-term investment in his vision for the offense. With a solid running back in the mix, Payton would have the ability to implement his balanced offensive system, which has been so successful in the past.
