Report: Broncos Have 'Good Amount of Interest' in Top RB Prospect

Denver appears likely to add to its backfield in the draft.

Nov 25, 2023; Knoxville, Tennessee, USA; Tennessee Volunteers running back Jaylen Wright (0) runs / Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Broncos consciously left the running back position untouched amid NFL free agency. That could — and likely will — change in this month's Draft.

Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette reported that the Broncos have expressed "a good amount of interest" in Tennessee Volunteers RB Jaylen Wright, one of the top prospects at his position and a potential Day 2 selection.

"There's a good chance Denver takes a running back in the draft,' Tomasson wrote on March 30.

What happens next on the Broncos? Don't miss out on any news and analysis! Take a second, sign up for our free newsletter, and get breaking Broncos news delivered to your inbox daily!

Wright (5-11, 210) is an explosive back, having averaged 6.2 yards-per-carry across 368 career totes for the Vols, twice leading the team in rushing with 2,297 ground yards and 18 touchdowns. He predictably blew up February's Scouting Combine, blazing the forty in 4.38 seconds while adding a 1.55-second split, 38-inch vertical jump, and an 11-foot, two-inch broad jump.

Though some fumbling and vision concerns prevent him from being the consensus RB1 of this year's class, Wright nevertheless projects as a future "plus starter" who compares favorably to former Broncos RB Melvin Gordon, according to NFL.com draft guru Lance Zierlein.

"Wright’s running style is more linear than free-flowing, which limits his cut smoothness and elusiveness on the second level. His vision and aggression as an interior runner are just average, but that won’t stop him from putting yards on the stat sheet. He regularly bounced runs wide and beat the pursuit around the corner, so a move to a stretch-based running attack would be a natural fit, allowing his speed to shine. He’s capable of running with power, but he will default into finesse at times. Wright’s big-play potential and talent as a pass catcher should make him a Day 2 target as a future starter."

The Broncos — who don't own a second-round choice, but do pick at No. 76 overall — currently have four runners under contract for the 2024 season: Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie.

---

Follow Mile High Huddle on X and Facebook and subscribe on YouTube for daily Broncos live-stream podcasts!