The Denver Broncos have completely shifted their focus to the 2025 NFL Draft after a successful start of free agency.
The Broncos have plenty of options with the No. 20 pick. There are not many areas that they need to address immediately. If there is one major position left, it would be at running back.
The best case scenario for Denver is Boise State running back and the reigning Doak Walker award winner in Ashton Jeanty to slip all the way to No. 20. While many experts would see this selection as a home run, there are some concerns from a few.
ESPN Broncos writer Jeff Legwold was on 92.5 FM on Thursday to talk about the concerns of the Broncos potentially underutilizing Jeanty if he were selected in the first round. Legwold would have only one rule if the Broncos selected Jeanty.
"It would be silly to use a pick at 20 on a RB then give him 9 carries a game & 18 snaps. To me, that's not value in the first round." - @Jeff_Legwold
If the Broncos draft Ashton Jeanty, they better make sure they USE HIM. #BroncosCountrypic.twitter.com/JGmKfkUlLs
— 92.5 FM - Denver's Altitude Sports Radio (@AltitudeSR) March 27, 2025
"If you're going to use the 20th overall pick of the draft on a running back, you better use him like the (Philadelphia) Eagles use Saquan Barkley, I mean, he better be involved with everything. Otherwise, you left really good players on the board who would have bigger roles on your team. If Jeanty is, by some miracle of miracles, available at No. 20, that's a running back worth the 20th pick in the draft, but you better use him like you took him in the 20th pick in the draft. If you're going to do it, do it……I think it'd be silly to use a pick at a running back and then give him nine carries a game and 18 snaps, to me, not's value in the first round."
The Broncos and head coach Sean Payton are a pro-rushing offense. They would've liked to take more pressure off rookie quarterback Bo Nix last season.
One of the biggest problems was the unreliable running backs in Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin. Williams rushed for 513 yards on 139 carries for an underwhelming 3.7 yards per carry as the first-string running back. McLaughlin rushed for 496 yards on 113 yards for 4.4 yards per carry.
Nix was often the more efficient running threat at 430 yards on 92 carries for an average of 4.7 yards per carry. The Broncos even had one of the most efficient offensive lines in the NFL last season.
The Broncos didn't think twice about letting Williams walk in free agency. If they get Jeanty in the first round, he will get a serious amount of carries and be involved in the dynamic passing offense.
Related: Former Broncos Wide Receiver Signs With Jets
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This story was originally published March 28, 2025 at 5:00 AM.