
The Denver Broncos are projected to make some tough moves when it comes to the running back position ahead of the 2025 NFL season, but one decision would simplify those. The team should keep four running backs on the 53-man roster.
There is no rule, written or unwritten, that says a team must keep a certain number of players at a certain position. While roster building always becomes a numbers game, the Broncos went the unconventional route of keeping three quarterbacks on the roster last season and Bo Nix still started every single game.
When it comes to the running back position, the Broncos currently have six of them on the roster and all six of them could have a case to make the team.
RJ Harvey and J.K. Dobbins figure to be the top two backs on the depth chart, but the Broncos have a rookie and an oft-injured veteran in those two players. That’s where the argument to keep four running backs on the final roster starts.
Harvey is an exciting prospect, but Sean Payton is known for easing his rookies into action, never putting too much on their plates. That was a huge reason the team decided to add Dobbins as veteran insurance, but he’s played in just 22 of a potential 50 games over the last three seasons.
When looking at the position, most Broncos fans and those in the media feel that Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are in a direct competition for the No. 3 job, but that doesn’t mean that whoever loses that battle must be cut. In addition, both Tyler Badie and Blake Watson should figure into that battle as well, as both are capable players.
Both McLaughlin and Estime are young players who still have a lot to offer a team. Estime was just a rookie last season and McLaughlin has been terrific when his number has been called. It should be considered a bad move to cut either of these players, especially if it’s to make room for a guy who would only play special teams, such as Delarrin Turner-Yell, or a fullback, like Michael Burton, when Nate Adkins can line up there as well.
This is especially important when you consider how much it appears the team has Bo Nix ready to rely on his backs as receivers this coming season.
Keeping four running backs should be the team’s plan going into the preseason. If they cut Badie and/or Watson, they should bring both back onto the practice squad if they clear waivers. The only thing that would change this for me would be if Estime shows that he still has a fumbling issue this summer. In that case, keeping Badie or Watson in favor of him should be the move.
The Broncos’ running back position should be the most interesting to keep tabs on in training camp and preseason games, but keeping just three running backs would be a bad idea.
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