Editor’s note: Third of a seven-part series breaking down position groups previewing the NFL draft April 27-29. Today: running backs.
A former defensive coordinator turned Broncos head coach would seemingly know how to game plan against Denver’s offense. For Vance Joseph, the answer was simple yet concerning.
Joseph would scheme to shut down wide receivers and then force the Broncos to beat them elsewhere. Other teams see that, too.
“If the running game was obviously intact, that would be tough – to stop the running game and having enough coverage for those two receivers,” Joseph explained.
The and combination in the backfield showed promise last year, but offensive line struggles and injuries combined to turning the running game into a dud. With two young quarterbacks, finishing 27th in rushing yards (92.8 per game) like Denver did in 2016 likely isn’t going to cut it this year if the Broncos hope to make the playoffs.
With Booker and Anderson, the Broncos have two backs who can get tough yards inside. What is needed is an explosive offensive weapon.
“Every good offense needs a guy who can take the ball from the (line of scrimmage) and go the distance with it,” Joseph said. “Having more juice on offense is a must in my opinion.”
There are several backs in this year’s draft who can take it to the house, including Denver native . Here’s a breakdown of how I see the running backs. (Disclaimer: Grades are based on-field analysis with notes on off-the-field issues.)
1. Joe Mixon, Oklahoma, 6-1, 226 pounds; Grade: Top 15, on the field… Undrafted off-the-field… Likely second round pick
Strengths: Incredible patience, cut-back ability. Has some Le’Veon Bell in his game. Workhorse back with power and speed. Seems to always get positive yards. Great hands, lateral movement and balance. Shows versatility as a slot receiver and returner.
Negatives: The much-displayed video of him in July 2014 led to multiple teams taking him off their draft board. Average vision, sometimes too patient.
This may sound weird, but I wouldn't be completely shocked if Joe Mixon got drafted before Dalvin Cook.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe)
2. Leonard Fournette, LSU, 6-foot, 228 pounds; Grade: Top 20
Strengths: Amazing mix of speed, power and size. Will run somebody over and look for another body. A monster when he gets his steam going. Has a lot of in his game. Physical, offers solid pass protection. Nasty spin move. North-south runner.
Negatives: Doesn’t have a lot of shake or elite athleticism. Goes down too many times to arm tackles. Has battled chronic ankle injuries. Needs a team to shape a power offense around him. Not a great receiver.
3. Dalvin Cook, Florida State, 5-10, 210 pounds; Grade: First round, but may fall into second round because of negatives
Strengths: Home run burst. Good vision, balance and cutback ability. Has some power, will break through arm tackles. Great at finding the edge and taking it up-field. Good hands, versatility to play slot receiver. Follows blockers well.
Negatives: Fumbles are a big issue, can it be fixed? There are concerns about his shoulder injuries dating back to high school. Multiple arrests, not convictions, as recent as 2015. Didn’t do much pass protection. Likes outside running better than inside.
4. Christian McCaffrey, Stanford, 5-11, 214 pounds; Grade: First round
Strengths: Do-it-all versatile weapon as a receiver, returner and runner. Runs good routes and has good hands out of slot. Effective versus eight-man boxes in college. Can make defenders look silly in the open field. Can fight through arm tackles.
Negatives: Doesn’t have the size or power to be an everydown back. His success may be dependent on having a creative offensive coordinator. Often stopped after solid contact and will stop his feet at inopportune times. Ran behind powerful offensive line at Stanford.
5. Alvin Kamara, Tennessee, 5-10, 214 pounds; Grade: Early second round
Strengths: Explosive open-field playmaker. Extraordinary ratio of touchdowns to touches as he split time in college. Versatility of slot receiver, receiver and returner. Has size, power to be a lead back. Bounces off would-be tacklers.
Negatives: Vision isn’t great, will run into blockers/defenders at times. Has some injury history and durability questions. Why couldn’t he start over Jalen Hurd at Tennessee?
More juice, you say. LOS to the crib, you say. Well, meet Alvin Kamara.
— Cameron Wolfe (@CameronWolfe)
Next up: D’onta Foreman, Texas; Curtis Samuel, Ohio State
Mid-round starter: Kareem Hunt, Toledo – He doesn’t have great size, speed or power, but he does everything well. He’ll be a steal and a key contributor if he falls to the right team on Day 3.
Late-round sleeper: Tarik Cohen, North Carolina A&T – As a 5-6 back from a small school, Cohen has two strikes already. His speed, elusiveness and hands remind some of .
