MarShawn Lloyd vs. Braelon Allen: Identifying Broncos' Best RB Fit
The Denver Broncos could be seeking additional help in the running back room. While the Broncos got a solid contribution from their running back stable, they will need more as they start fresh at quarterback.
USC and Wisconsin could offer a running back to be that extra boost the Broncos could use. Let's dive into these backs' respective scouting reports to find the answer.
MarShawn Lloyd | USC
Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports
- Height: 5-foot-9
- Weight: 220 pounds
- Arm Length: 30-3/8 inches
- Hands: 8-3/4 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: 9.29
Pros
In some areas, Lloyd's play in 2023 took a step back, but in others, he looked improved. It will be a matter of combining both aspects. While he was overly patient and lacked urgency, he did well to follow his blocks and play with a pace that allowed them to set up and secure the running lanes.
Lloyd's footwork is great, with light and choppy feet that he uses to change direction on a dime. His consistent base allows him to play with good balance and absorb contact when working between the tackles.
When Lloyd bounces runs to the outside, he does well using his balance to make a quick cut, and he has a strong, stiff arm from his free hand. His running style has good physicality that can make it hard for defenses to tackle.
Cons
Lloyd has dealt with a list of injuries that have caused a lot of missed time over the past two seasons. He also tore his ACL in 2020.
Regarding Lloyd's play on the field, there are ball security issues where he averaged a fumble every 36 rushes, far below what teams look for. Concerns about drops when working as a receiver and a light workload exist.
Lloyd's running style looked quite different during his 2023 season than it 2021 and 2022. When studying him, I noticed a lack of patience when he had the ball in his hands. He pressed the line hard and quickly, and coupled with some questionable vision, many yards were left on the field.
With the concerns as a receiver and worries about his pass protection, Lloyd would struggle to be more than a two-down runner.
Fit With Broncos
Lloyd would add another physical runner, but the question is about the passing game. The Broncos want their running backs to work in the passing game, and he may not bring that.
Additionally, the Broncos already have physical runners and could look for more electricity. However, with Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine in the final year of their deals, they could look for a power back to replace them.
Big Board Position: No. 79 overall.
Braelon Allen | Wisconsin
Mark Hoffman/Milwaukee Journal Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK
- Height: 6-foot-1
- Weight: 235 pounds
- Arm Length: 31-1/4 inches
- Hands: 9-1/4 inches
- Relative Athletic Score: N/A
Pros
The size and physical nature of Allen is outstanding. He has more speed and burst than expected, but that isn't a large part of his game. He showed up to the Combine 10 pounds under his listed weight, and his feet and movement skills were much cleaner through the drills. He will likely be asked to play around 225-235 pounds, not 240-plus.
When it comes to passing downs, Allen is alright working as a receiver, but he is a physical and tough blocker who can be trusted in pass protection. Instead of being overly passive, he will work his way up and meet rushers.
The instincts are great with Allen, and he knows how to run with a proper tempo and pacing. He trusts his blockers to do their job and helps them set up the run by not pressing the line hard. When working between the tackles, Allen is a bowling ball that bounces after multiple defenders before being brought down.
Cons
Ball security and drops are concerns with Allen. He averages a fumble every 66 rushes and has dropped five passes on 60 targets. His use on third down will likely come as a pass protector, and he will need to clean up his routes and hands to offer up more as a receiver.
While Allen's movement was better at a lighter weight at the Combine, some tightness in his hips still makes it difficult to change direction. His acceleration isn't ideal, which makes him susceptible to early penetration from the defense.
Despite his size and physicality, he sometimes comes off more passive and doesn't always finish runs in physical matter.
Fit With Broncos
Allen is in the same position as Lloyd. The Broncos have two power backs under contract and are looking for more electricity from the position.
While both Williams and Perine are entering the last year of their contracts, running back is not a position you have to worry about filling the need before it becomes one because of how easy it is to translate and the number of backs entering the NFL every year.
Big Board Position: No. 84 overall.
Better Fit for Broncos
These running backs are similar in style and offer much of the same. However, Allen does offer up reliable pass protection on third down. That alone pushes him ahead of Lloyd in terms of their fit with the team.
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