After letting Javonte Williams walk during NFL free agency, the Denver Broncos are set to select a running back in the 2025 NFL draft.
Whoever the Broncos draft will join a running back rotation that already includes Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime, among others. Denver is presumably looking for a new RB1, but the player selected does not necessarily have to be an every-down back.
“There are different types of runners," Broncos coach Sean Payton said at the NFL's Annual League Meeting last month when asked what traits he's looking for from running backs in the draft. "Sometimes we’ll refer to a runner as a three-down player or a two-down player. ‘Does this guy have good receiving skills? Can he block pressure?’ As far as the make-up traits or the physical characteristics, it’s the one position where height is really not discussed. Short or small is discussed, and there’s a difference. So they have to have a lower body.
"In this draft, I’ve seen a number of these players that I feel are first- and second-down runners. I feel like I’ve seen a number of players that can potentially play on third down, it’s just what you’re looking for. I think ball security you’re looking for. Some backs make positive yards most of the time, and that’s a trait that I think… there’s a feel in other words. Some backs don’t have the same vision as others, meaning they’ll take a negative play. And look — make no mistake about it -- we’re wanting to see our group at home get these opportunities now. So that competition I think will help.”
Oddsmakers expect the Broncos to use their first-round pick on a running back, and North Carolina's Omarion Hampton has been a popular pick for Denver in mock drafts. The 2025 NFL draft will be held in Wisconsin from April 24-26.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Sean Payton discusses running back traits in NFL draft