Looking back on Gary Kubiak-Rick Dennison II — (Part I was when they were Broncos players; Part II was when they were assistant coaches to Mike Shanahan; Part III is now) — the Broncos built a reputation for plucking unheralded, future 1,000-yard rushers either late in the draft or as undrafted free agents.
Michigan State running back Jeremy Langford is slightly more heralded as a projected third-round pick by NFLDraftScout. He recently visited with the Broncos at Dove Valley. The 2015 NFL draft will open two weeks from today with the first round. Langford figures to go on day two, May 1, with the second and third round selections.
At 6-foot, 208 pounds, Langford is smaller than most Broncos running backs, but he projects as an ideal third-down back. He averaged 1,477 yards rushing and 20 touchdowns in his final two seasons at Michigan State. His hands and speed had the Spartans playing him some at receiver.
He’s also a willing blocker as a blitz protector.
With Ronnie Hillman in the final year of his contract, the Broncos may be looking to develop a change-of-pace alternative.
