The Denver Broncos are turning over every rock in their search for a starting running back. While most fans are hoping for Boise State's Ashton Jeanty or North Carolina's Omarion Hampton, the Broncos are reportedly showing significant interest in former Oklahoma State running back Ollie Gordon II.
According to Luca Evans of the Denver Post, "Denver's had multiple touchpoints with Gordon, a possible late-round target, holding meetings with him at the NFL combine and Senior Bowl and a Zoom with running backs coach Lou Ayeni."
Gordon II (6-foot-1, 226 pounds) is a prototypical power back who could profile as a two-down back in the NFL. He ran a 4.61 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and is coming off a disappointing junior season.
After rushing for 1,732 yards as a sophomore, that number fell to 880 in 2024. His yards per carry dropped from 6.1 to 4.6 this season, while he was also less involved in the passing game.
He finished his college career with 2,920 rushing yards, 36 rushing touchdowns, 80 receptions, 585 receiving yards, and four receiving touchdowns.
No disrespect to the Oklahoma State product, but the Broncos leaving the 2025 NFL Draft with Gordon II as their big move at the running-back position would leave a sour taste in the mouths of many around the organization.
Jeanty might be a pipedream for Denver, but they need a difference-maker in the backfield. Former starter Javonte Williams is off to the Dallas Cowboys, and Denver can't go into the season with the current group of Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson.
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This story was originally published March 25, 2025 at 7:00 PM.