Kaelon Black, Denver Broncos
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Kaelon Black #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers speaks to the media during media day activities before the 2026 College Football Playoff National Championship game against the Miami Hurricanes.
The Denver Broncos have run it back at plenty of positions two weeks into free agency, including running back, where all four of their top options from 2025 are under contract for 2026, which could leave room for an addition like Kaelon Black in the draft.
Black is a compact, hard-nosed runner who could complement what the Broncos already have on their roster at this point in the offseason.
There is even a belief that there is more to his game than he was able to show at Indiana.
Broncos Move on Ex-Hoosiers RB Kaelon Black
Kaelon Black, Denver Broncos
GettyKaelon Black #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers runs with the ball against the Ohio State Buckeyes in the 2025 Big Ten Football Championship.
“Indiana @IndianaFootball running back Kaelon Black, a key member of national champion Hoosiers with 1,040 rushing yards, 10 touchdowns, visiting #Broncos,” KPRC 2’s Aaron Wilson reported on X on March 21. “Has taken a 30 visit with #Jets and has future 30 visits set up with #Panthers, #c, #Bengals.”
Black rushed for 2,261 yards and 16 touchdowns on 443 carries during his career at Indiana, logging 140 carries in 2023 and 2025.
ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. believes Black could be a solid addition for a team late in the draft.
Kiper noted the successful tandem Black formed with Hoosiers teammate Roman Hemby, and how the duo projects to come off the board in similar ranges during the latter stages of the event, which runs from April 23 through April 25.
“He gets the ball, and if it was after a catch, he has going forward, fast, Field. He doesn’t fool around at all. He’s still working on his blocking; He’s going to do that. He’s a great kid. He only had four receptions, right? That’s it. No fumbles lost by the way, but he is dependable. Doesn’t fumble the ball,” Kiper told colleague Field Yates on “First Draft” in February.
“I love the way he runs. Body lean, tough, breaks tackles, moves forward, doesn’t cough the ball up, loves to play the game, always plays with a chip on his shoulder.”
Kaelon Black Snubbed During Pre-Draft Process
Kaelon Black
GettyKaelon Black #8 of the Indiana Hoosiers reacts after rushing for a touchdown against the Oregon Ducks.
The Broncos could benefit from the lack of attention Black has received in the lead-up to the 2026 draft.
Our Lads’ David Syvertsen named Black among his “biggest snubs” from the combine after the ex-Hoosiers tailback did not receive an invite. Pro Football Sports Network’s Ian Cummings had noted how Black stood out during Senior Bowl practices less than one month earlier.
AtoZ Sports’ Destin Adams posted “every team could use a RB like Kaelon Black” in January.
He was not alone then, as the 5-foot-9 runner consistently impressed onlookers during the week before the Senior Bowl.
“Doesn’t have to be a three down starter to make his impact felt,” Adams posted in January, adding that Black “runs with next level intensity every time he touches the rock” and “will have a real shot at developing into a short yardage and goal line back.”
Denver has J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey at the top of their RB depth chart.
The Broncos also have backups Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie, but their various connections to veteran backs suggest they want more from that group, and Black could help.