Finding Broncos: Five Offensive Backfield Prospects for Additional Depth

Finding Broncos scouts the 2023 NFL Draft with a group of running backs and fullbacks to add additional depth to the positions.

While the Denver Broncos have made a few free-agent signings to improve their offensive backfield, they can still use additional help. Samaje Perine has never been a bell cow, and they don't have a clear backup with Javonte Williams out with an injury, as their other running backs have less than 100 touches on offense combined. 

They also brought in fullback Michael Burton on a one-year deal. So they could look at someone who can contribute on special teams and potentially take the starting fullback job in 2024. Then, in the 2023 NFL Draft, solid options exist to bring that additional depth in the backfield. 

Lew Nichols III | RB | Central Michigan

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Pros

• He has a well-built compact frame. 
• There is good strength and explosion. 
• There is excellent vision to find the open lane and see incoming defenders. 
• He plays with good body control and balance as a runner and can be hard to bring down. 
• He has plenty of power as a rusher. 
• He had an outstanding 2021 season with 1,846 yards and 16 touchdowns. 
• His technique when working as a pass protector is solid, and he is more than willing. 

Cons

• He won't make defenders miss in space. 
• There isn't that breakaway speed limiting the explosive runs he can get. 
• There is decent exposure as a receiver out of the backfield, but he doesn't have reliable hands.
• Is there anything to help on special teams where he would have to make the roster? 
• He will be a limited running back in the NFL. 

Fit with Broncos

Nichols wouldn't be a bad fit if the Broncos didn't have all the options for power from the position. However, they need someone who brings more big-play potential and reliability as a receiver. There also is the issue that Nichols doesn't have special teams experience, which is where he would have to make the roster. 

Tavion Thomas | RB | Utah

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Pros

• He is exceptionally thick and well-built. 
• There is decent explosion and short-area burst. 
• The vision is solid to find the open lane. 
• He has solid agility to make defenders miss. 
• There is no doubt about his power as a runner. 
• It often took multiple defenders, or tries, to bring him down. 
• He is patient enough to follow the flow of the play, waiting for a lane to open. 
• His feet are surprisingly light and quick. 
• He is a bowling ball that can bounce off defenders when running between the tackles. 

Cons

• The athleticism isn't great. 
• There is limited exposure on special teams, which is where he would need to help to make an NFL roster. 
• Ball security is terrible, with 10 fumbles on 476 rushing attempts. 
• There is only one year of sound production, with 1,106 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2021. 
• There isn't much exposure as a receiver with 13 targets in his career, where he dropped two passes. 
• There isn't much there with his technique or willingness as a blocker. 
• There isn't great burst, or speed, which will limit him to running between the tackles. 
• He is an upright runner who is easy to cut his legs out from under. 

Fit with Broncos

The Broncos need someone who offers more ability as a receiver and big-play ability. They have plenty of power, which is what Thomas is bringing. However, if he were better as a blocker or even had better effort, he would probably end up moving to fullback. 

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Hunter Luepke | FB |

© Erin Woodiel / Argus Leader / USA TODAY NETWORK

Pros

• He is a good athlete that can offer up versatility on offense. 
• There is good size and build for a fullback. 
• He brings plenty of experience on special teams and can play immediately in the NFL. 
• He has enough as a runner, receiver, and blocker to be a true fullback. 
• He has solid routes, for a fullback, with good enough hands. 
• There is difficulty bringing him down when he has the ball in his hands. 

Cons

• He is a straightforward runner lacking creativity when working with the ball in his hands. 
• His feet are heavy and can make it difficult when changing direction. 
• He has to get stronger to improve as a blocker in the NFL. 
• There are times he can be overly complacent as a blocker. 

Fit with Broncos

The fullback is a devalued position in the NFL, and they rarely get drafted. With the five picks the Broncos have, the Broncos can't afford to draft one. However, they can add him as an undrafted rookie, and Luepke fits well as an option to take over in 2024. 

Derek Parish | FB/DE | Houston

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Pros

• He has enough size and build to be a fullback in the NFL. 
• He is an excellent athlete that offers up exceptional versatility. 
• He is plenty physical as a defender, which can translate to work as a blocker. 
• His experience on special teams was excellent, and he can be an immediate contributor. 
• There is a good motor and effort. 

Cons

• He didn't play much offense in college, being an edge defender. 
• His NFL projection is as a fullback and special teams player, with little exposure as a fullback. 
• If a team wants to keep him as an edge defender, they must make up for the size issues he brings. 

Fit with Broncos

Derek Parish was an edge defender who shouldn't play there in the NFL. However, his projection to fullback looks good with the traits, and he is praised for his football character and IQ, which can help the transition. His attitude and demeanor fit the Broncos, but he will take time to transition. 

Monte Pottebaum | FB | Iowa

© Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Pros

• His size is solid overall, with a good build. 
• He has good agility and explosion. 
• He is a decent enough blocker with his technique and aggression. 
• He does well staying low into blocks and pop up. 
• He has plenty of experience on special teams and can contribute immediately. 

Cons

• There isn't much there to be a weapon on offense. 
• He is hard to trust as a runner, with two fumbles on 20 career rushes, but both came in 2022 on three carries. 
• His technique as a blocker needs to be developed and under control. 
• There isn't much as a receiver to work with. 

Fit with Broncos

There is good play on special teams that can help the Broncos, but the play on offense can be concerning. A lot of work is needed to make him consistent as a blocker, and the limitations of being a weapon could keep Denver away, even if they are looking at adding a fullback. 

If they get their help through the draft or with an undrafted free agent, it doesn't matter. They can use additional help and more versatility from their running back depth. As for fullback, there isn't as much needed there, and it's a position you don't have to take a year before it's a need. 

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