Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Hello everybody, and welcome to Some Broncos Country Tonight, a
post Rocky Spring training edition of Broncos Country Tonight. I'm
your fill and host Zach Seekers, covering for Benjamin Albright
and Nick Ferguson. After again, like I said, some Corado
rocky spring training baseball. With baseball getting roll in here
(00:21):
and you know, now we've got March Madness fully rolling.
I hope all your brackets are in good shape still
after today, with all that getting heated up, it feels
like football is winding down a bit. You know, we
got first wave of free agency behind us, and now
we're kind of in that lull between the peak of
free agency and the veteran market and all that veteran
movement and of course the NFL Draft. Now, you know
(00:44):
the Broncos are going to be looking to fill it
kind of during this will fill some more minor holes
around the roster, and you know that's gonna give us
a pretty good idea of how they plan on strategically
attacking that NFL draft.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
A couple of those kind of.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Around the margin moves we should see here in the
near future, or already saw this week. First Matt Hack
or Hawk I think it's Hawk, the veteran punter, will
be replacing Riley Dixon as the team.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Starter at that position.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Little surprising that the Broncos went in this direct direction
just because Matt Hawk has not been a starting punter
for lack of a better term, either of the past
two seasons. The last time he was a team's punter
for the majority of their regular season games was twenty
twenty two. You know, he got to go back to
(01:34):
the Nathaniel hacke get head coaching tenure, which feels like
ancient history now. And you know, even when you look
at his numbers, because he did appear in five games
this past season, and he appeared in a game in
twenty twenty three as a reserve player due to injury,
it's not very exciting. He ranked thirty out of thirty
four qualifying punters in twenty twenty four in net punt average.
(01:55):
You know, he's being marketed to Bronco's country as well.
This is a very accurate hang time. I'm focused punter
and he's gonna limit returns and all that. Well, net
punting yardage will factor in what you're allowing on returns.
If you're just bombing the ball downfield, but allowing as
a result, you're out kicking your coverage and allowing a
very long return, you're not gonna rank well in net
(02:16):
punt average.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Well.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Matt Hawk, even when factorying in how he's helping out
punt coverage, how he's limiting those returns, branks.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Thirtieth out of thirty four in that category.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
So when you're replacing it, by the way, Riley Dixon
comfortably top half of the league, top ten actually in
that same metric in twenty twenty four. So you take
again what was a pretty defined strength for this Broncos
team in twenty twenty five or sorry, twenty twenty four
absolutely helped them reach the playoffs and have the season
that they did. The special teams and there are a
(02:50):
good few questions surrounding it now. Ben paw Twika, of course,
the former special teams coordinator was let go, so they've
got a new body in there. I'm Smith, who is
probably their best core special teamer. He is out the door.
He'll be playing for the Houston Texans next season. And
now you're punter, who again was a quality punter, not
(03:12):
a star punter, if such a thing exists. But a
quality punter, he's out the door, and you replaced him
with a guy who's been out of the league the
last two seasons or darn near out of the league.
Broncos ranked fourth overall last season in special teams DVA.
I think DVOA is great because there's so many weird
factors with special teams. You know, field goal percentage, where
(03:34):
were you kicking those field goals from? You know, how
many were at altitude, how many were in bad weather conditions?
You know, with punting, where was your team punting from regularly?
You know, if you're consistently punting from the plus forty,
you're going to have a shorter punt average than a
team consistently punting from you know, the minus twenty or
the minus thirty. So DVA kind of factors all that
(03:56):
in and you see your Broncos unit the last year
was the fourth overall, Like I said, twelfth in kickoff
coverage and eleventh in punt coverage. Those would be the
units kickoff because you're losing your ace cover guy and
punt covers because you're losing your race cover guy and
your punter. Those are the areas you could really see
regression and you know, it looks like the defense has
(04:17):
gotten better on paper. I think people are expecting the
offense to get better now that Bonix isn't a rookie
and we'll have a full off season to grow and
develop under Sean Payton in that offense. But the special
teams right now, it looks like that got worse for
the Broncos. And when this team is trying to take
a step forward, that's a bit concerning. You know, the
defense better, check, offense better, you know, still work in progress,
(04:40):
but looking good, especially the addition of Evan Ingram. Special
teams sharp decline, you know, And that's even with them.
Shelled out some money for Mitchell Febroni trying to keep
her long snapper in place. That's not the only move
around the margins of the roster. We'll talk about that
really quick. That's also before we get into a meteor topic.
(05:02):
Let's look at Mike Cliss on Monday reporting that it
would be surprising to him at this point if Michael
Burton didn't return to the Broncos in twenty twenty five,
and as was the case with the punter conversation, this
is a pretty low consequence, but nonetheless It's something that
matters when you're constructing a team, when you're trying to
(05:24):
upgrade a team and take the next step as a
contender and really a loaded AFC, and that's you know,
are you using these roster spots as wise as he
possibly could?
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Is this the right allocation of resources?
Speaker 1 (05:38):
You know?
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Is it necessary.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
To make sure you have thirty three year old or
thirty two year old Michael Burton on the twenty twenty
five Denver Broncos when you already have a fullback, you know,
in Nate Atkins is this full back tight end hybrid player.
But the thing is is he's not like your premiere
tight end. His role on the roster is he's kind
of this utility player that can do both. Is the
(06:02):
drop off from Burton to Adkins at fullback so dramatic
or even on special teams? Is that drop off so
dramatic that you aren't better served just signing an actual
blocking tight end, because that's the role. Adkins is filling
a tight end right now, you know, and he's doing
a so so job at it. It's passable. But what
if the Broncos, rather than invest in a real deal fullback,
(06:26):
what if you put Nate Adkins there and you invest
in a real deal blocking tight end, so they don't
have on this offense right now. And the lack of
a blocking tight end that was a major reason this
run game struggled as much as it did in twenty
twenty four. You know, the lack of running back talent
probably the primary reason. I think the questions at tight
(06:46):
end might be reason number two for that. That or center,
and so you just and it's only gotten worse with
Evan Ingram taking on a big role at tight end.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And that's okay.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
It's a trade off you're happy to make with v Ingram,
That's why the Broncos paid him so much money. But
it's still a trade off your making. And they should
look for a guy who's a little more reliable, a
little more sturdy in line and helping out the ground game.
Another option that might help out the ground game, at
least some in Broncos country might think so. Taysom Hill
(07:15):
BYU legend and New Orleans Saints legend as well. I
guess you could call him a legend. He made his
appearance at BYU's March Madness game here in Denver. Very
quickly people started connecting some obvious thoughts. Taysom Hill, you know,
the Sean Payton protege, Sean Payton's I don't know what's
(07:37):
the right word for it. Sean Payton's muse is that
it's a player that Sean Payton absolutely beloved, overpaid, really
wanted to keep in New Orleans during his tenure with
the Saints. Peyton's that is, and now that he's in Denver,
maybe he tries to to reunite. Not so high on
that idea. You know, Taysom Hill is thirty four years old.
(08:00):
He'll be thirty five this next season. He turns thirty
five in August, and you know he was an older prospect,
so there's limited tread on the tires. But he does
not play like your average quarterback or you know, really
even your average tight end. With how often he's running
right into a pile and being used as like a power.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Full back omos or a power running back.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
He's kind of what some people wanted Tim Tebow to
settle for, kind of that full back ish role. And
is this a role the Broncos really need in their offense?
Even you know, Taysom Hill made some sense in New
Orleans because who were New Orleans quarterbacks during that time
well late stage, Drew Brees who barely had anything left
(08:42):
in the tank, and Teddy Bridgewater, who, as Broncos Country
knows all to well not in especially mobile option.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
A bit of a statue back there.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
So when those are your quarterback options, and again let's
turn back the clock, we're talking twenty eighteen, twenty nineteen,
twenty twenty, All right, quarterback run game is starting to
come into vogue with Lamar Jackson entering the league in
twenty eighteen, Jaylen Hurts enters the league in twenty twenty.
It's becoming more and more prominent during this time, Daniel
Jones entering the league in was that twenty nineteen, right,
(09:13):
becoming more and more prominent. So if you're, you know,
this offensive wizard, as you build Sean Payton, you want
to start tapping into the new vogue thing offensively. But
your quarterbacks are Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater. How are
you going to do that? You got to get a
different body in there. Now, you got the passing the
ball that that part's covered. It's the running bit. So
that's how Taysom Hill fits into everything, right, can't really throw.
(09:37):
But he's very mobile, so you want to do some
of that funcky creative stuff from the quarterback position.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
He can do that.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Can he still do that at thirty four? Or at
least can he still do that at as thirty five?
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Even?
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Can you do that at thirty five at a level
that's appreciably better than bow Nicks to the point that
it deserves to give him a roster spot, and looking
at the quarterback market, at least five million dollars could
go to jay A K.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Who do you think is going to be more useful
on this Bronco's roster next year? Hypothetically you gotta choose JK.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
It could very easily be the starting running back or
the wonky gadget quarterback who is well past his prime,
probably say the former. Last little tidbit I want to
touch on briefly here before, as I said, before getting
into a little heavier topic or heavier makes it sound
like talking about a puppy dying or something more thoughtful topic,
(10:32):
a more thought provoking topic is the latest article I
dropped over on Koacolorado dot com. Go over there, hit
the Denver Broncos tab and you can find both of
my last two articles actually used Matt Barrows quotes from
KOA Sports. He appeared as a guest on KOA Sports
this past week, used his quotes on Drake Greenlaw and
(10:55):
Talanoa Hufunga to help paint a picture of what Broncos
country should expect from those big signings. And this other
one I thought was really cool Benny Fowler, who of
course caught Peyton Manning's last pass Super Bowl fifty champion.
He was in Koa covering for ko Sports as a
(11:16):
special guest host last week, and he has been teammates
with almost all of the Broncos free agent signings. Namely,
or chiefly, Dre Greenlaw and Avin Ingram were players that
Benny Fowler spent time with, and he provided tremendous insight
on KOA Sports as to know not only what are
(11:38):
these guys going to bring the Denver Broncos on Sundays,
but what are they going to bring them Tuesday through
Friday during team practices. And he really had some great
stories about Drey Greenlaw and the type of impact he
brings to the defense. So I had to do a
shameless plug really quick there please go check that out
Koacolorado dot com. Think you'll really enjoy those articles up
(12:00):
before you go over there and check those out. Last
little topic for you before next segment, we get Joey
Richards from Let's Talk Broncos on to talk about what
running backs the Denver Broncos should be targeting in this
year's NFL draft. Let's tee that up by looking at
the vet running back market, because the Denver Broncos are
(12:21):
probably going to want to add a veteran if you
look at Champaign's made some sizable investments in the running
back position before trading up for Kamara, drafting mark Ingram
in the first round. But even when he made those
moves for guys who you know, were very talented their
rookie year, it's not like these were slow developers or anything.
(12:43):
They were in, you know, fifty to fifty splits in
the backfield. I think Bronco's country, you know, now, there's
not as substantial competition in the backfield right now as
mark Ingram was facing or Alvin Kamara was facing. But
I think Broncos country should brace themselves for even if
(13:03):
it isn't Amari and Hampton in the first round, that
running back probably won't see much more than fifty five
percent of the snaps. I would say it probably max
is out at seventy. I think that would be very
very high up there. I think that's a very aggressive projection.
I think again, it's probably more for that rookie. Anywhere
between forty and sixty is probably where to end up
(13:26):
falling in terms of what percentage of touches or snaps
or targets they're receiving.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
In this offense.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
So that means you better find a solid veteran option,
and that's a little disappointing because the Broncos have missed
out on a lot of quality veteran options. Rico Dubell,
who signed with the Carolina Panthers, would have been great.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Nagee.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Harris isn't an exciting option, but for the five million
dollar price he signed.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
With the Chargers.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Would be a very nice upgrade for the Denver Broncos
run game, or at least a guy you could rely
on to raise.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
The floor of the room.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
You know what you're getting with Nagierras and it's not flashy,
but it'll raise the floor and then you can go
out in the draft and add that other flashier option
right now.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
JK.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Dobbins is the option for the Denver Broncos. And I
know I was talking with Benjamin Albright earlier tonight on
Broncos Country Tonight in the first hour of the show
about how aggressive are.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
They going to be chasing JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Do they have any other running backs in mind? And
he said, you know, they're kind of waiting for that
price to come down. But also JK. Dobbins is the
guy at running back for them, and that makes sense
you look at the market. The only other options that
I think makes some sense for the Broncos just because
I think what they are going to most want to
prioritize in that veteran is who can keep bo Nix upright?
Because Rocky struggle in pass protection. We need a veteran
(14:42):
we can rely on to keep bo Nicks upright.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Who's that going to be? JK.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Dobbins fits that bill. But there really aren't that many
other names out there that do. Two that do, and
Jamal Williams is a big name, but he has really
struggled in pass protection this past season in New Orleans.
The two that do make sense from keeping the oh,
Nick's safe. That perspective would be Nick Chubb and Gus Edwards.
And the problem there is neither of those guys are
(15:08):
even remotely threatening if we want to be honest at
this point in their careers as running backs. If I'm
an opponent and you have Nick Chubb on the field,
I'm begging you throw in the football. I'm begging you
to hand the ball off. That is a wasted down
for me. That is a win for me. As a defense,
you are going to fall behind the sticks far more
often than not with either of those two backs.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Maybe they bring you something in.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Those final five yards to the end zone or very
short yarded situations. Maybe they give you something there, but
still even there, that's a big maybe. Given what we
saw from those two last season. The one thing you
know you're going to get from this pass protection, which
again is maybe the top priority, but you need a
little something else out of those players otherwise they become tells.
Even if you want to vary the play calling, because
(15:52):
again I'm not going to respect the other options. I'm
only going to respect them as a pass protector. The
only guy left who is at least the little threatening
as a runner and pretty reliable as a past protector JK. Dobbins,
the Broncos cannot miss out on him, especially with how
much Sean Payton likes to lean on these veteran backs.
If they have to be a little aggressive and go
a little over the top with the price to make
(16:14):
sure they land him, I think that's something they absolutely
should do. But where should they go in the NFL
draft at running back? Will be taking an even closer
look at that running back position coming up here shortly
with my man Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos. Stick
around for Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty am
(16:37):
ninety four one FM. Welcome back to Broncos Country tonight, everybody.
I'm your Phil and host Zach Segers, covering for Benjamin
Albright and Nick ferguson here tonight following some Colorado Rockies
spring training baseball. You know, we just got done in
(16:59):
the last segment talking about where the Broncos stand after
that first wave of free agency and what they need
to address moving forward here, and I think the big
conversation point there on everyone's mind is the running back position.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
So to take a closer look.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
At that need I wanted to lean on someone who
I know is very familiar with it. So let's head
on over to the KOA Common Spirit health hotline with
our guest Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos, who just
recently wrote an article ranking the top eight running backs
in this class from a Denver Broncos perspective who would
be the best fits with the team.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
So, Joey, how are you doing tonight?
Speaker 3 (17:38):
I'm doing great. I'm excited to be on the show.
I appreciate you having me on the running back position. Man,
so one of the Broncos need. I think everyone who's
been fong the team closely to all agree upon that.
And luckily for them, it's a great running back group
this year in the draft.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
And that's perfect because that's exactly where I want to start.
What is your general will take just overall on the
class before we drill down into some of the specific prospects.
How I feel like it's been hyped up as a
historically strong class. Do you think the prospects are good
enough to live up to that billing?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I really do, Zach. I mean, when you look at
the history of it, the history of the position just generally,
you're going to see you hit on more late round
running backs than maybe any other position in football this year,
with it being as deep as it is, You're going
to see a lot of good running backs come out
of this class. It's a really solid group, and so.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
A Marion Hampton kind of talking about the strength of
that group, Amarion Hampton and Ashton Genty stand out as
two of the favorites. I know this is a weaker
draft class in general, Hampton and gent being the guys
often mocked in the first round, sometimes even to the Broncos.
Do you think those prospects are worthy of a first
(19:00):
round pick in an average draft year or do you
think they're getting pushed up some either because of team
need or you know, just a weaker draft class overall.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yeah, So I think how I would look at this
is I look at this running back class in different tiers.
I think Genti's in the tier of his own zech
He's a guy that goes in the first round undoubtedly
every single draft class. I think Ashton Gents goes. Amriom
Hampton I would probably say usually does as well. I
think he is has very few weak points in his game. Honestly,
(19:32):
a Maroon. Hampton's really good, He's just not as special
as Genti. And a lot of the time you see
running backs get pushed down the board just because of
the importance of positional value and running back, as I
mentioned earlier, being an easier position to find compared to
other positions.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
So I think he usually goes in the first round.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
But it's towards the end, and if it's not, then
probably early in the second round.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
So with there in your mind being you know, kind
of a clear break between Hampton and Genty even you know,
at the between those running backs at the top of
the draft, do you think it's worth trading up for
Genty maybe into that ten range, you know, maybe even
ahead of a team like the Bears, who have been
tied to him, you know, even despite it being the
(20:18):
running back position, even despite some of the other pressing
needs on this roster, and you know, kind of the
analytical community being anti trading up for running backs, do
you think gent is good enough to be the exception
to that rule.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
I'm pretty anti trading up for anything that's not a quarterback.
I really am. I don't think I would trade up
for either of those two because as we mentioned it's
such a strong draft, Like, I am not forcing myself
to go trade extra hass as first around running backs
already pushing it a lot of people, and then giving
up a first round pick plus to go up and
(20:54):
get a guy. I just don't see the value there
when you can go and get you know, maybe a
less or per prospects, but still a really good one
later in the draft. It would be hard for me
to tackle that.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Okay, I'm glad I'm not alone there because I know
I can be a little nerdy with my my care
free analytics and everything. But man, trading up, you know,
trading multiple premium picks to go up and get a
running back that you know it was five a a
little undersized for the position.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
That would have me very anxious.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
I wonder if you're gonna be able to get your
bang the bang for your buck on that one.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Really quick.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
This is once again Joey Richards of Let's Talk Broncos
joining us on the KOA Comment Spirit Health Hotline to
talk about some of the top running backs in this
class for the Denver Broncos. Joey, what do you think
a mari and Hampton being kind of the popular mock
target with the Broncos that especially in the first round.
(21:47):
What do you think he would bring to the Denver
Broncos from day one? Try to paint that picture for
the audience. What could they expect from an Amari and
Hampton led backfield in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
I think all around type of running back. I think
this is a three down running back, a guy that
can sit down in pass protect. You can play him
in those obvious passing situations. But most importantly, it's really
really great at running football. I mean, one thing really
missed for quite a bit now at the running back
position is elite vision, really good vision, being able to
(22:19):
read his lockers in front of him and pick up
the yards without even having to break a tackle. Yet
that's something that Marion Hampton does really well. He's schemed
versatile on that way as well as he could run
most gap and zone run schemes efficiently.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
And then after breaking to the.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Largest scrimmage, he's a wrecking ball. He's elite contact balance,
Guys are bouncing off of him, and he's he explosive
as well. He has a little bit of the home
run ball in and I wouldn't say that's.
Speaker 4 (22:47):
Like his sh trait, but he has it there, which
is an overall really.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Solid running back. I mean, I think behind the Broncos
offensive line, which is underrated, I think we just weren't
able to see how good they were with just not
having great or efficient running backs last year. Myn Hamton
could come in and be a thousand yard rusher right
off of the.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Bat, and with some being that level of prospect and
also the investment necessary to draft a running back in
the first round, that in and of itself being a
bit of an outlier. What how would you feel about
this team drafting multiple running backs, even if one of
them comes in the first round, considering how many bodies
(23:28):
they seemingly need to add to that running back room
as it currently stands.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I wouldn't be opposed to it. Now I think people
are pushing it. I've seen the narrative out the that
the Broncos should draft back to back running back, kind
of like they did with Jerry Judy and kJ Hammler
at wide receiver that year. I wouldn't do that. I
think you have too many needs to just double down
on one position, especially when you can't play those two
at the same time regularly, I think that's just too
(23:55):
much of an investment in that position. But I could
totally get behind. Hey, we draft first round running back
and then maybe early day three of the draft, we're
drafting another who is the second guy or the spellback
part of that, I would preferably want two different skill
sets there. If I'm drafting Hampton, for example, in the
(24:15):
first round, I want to want more of a speedsker
receiver type, and later in the draft, I would.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
At least want to make them compliment each other.
Speaker 3 (24:24):
If I'm taking one guy off the field, I have
a completely different that's there.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
I think that point about can these guys be on
the same field at the same time is a great
point that people have been overlooking, you know, for starters.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
I don't think you want to go back to that.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Judy kJ Amler, Well, that strategy did not serve the
Broncos at all. I think is honestly played a role
in then struggling during that you know, kind of Drew
locked Teddy Bridgewater era. They missed out on contributions, meaningful
contributions from two premium picks, and then at least you
could play those guys hypothetically, you know, if family turned
(24:57):
out a little better, you could play those guys on
the field at the the same time. Like, yes, pony
personnel where you get those two running backs on the
field does exist, but it's a rarity and it's kind of,
I don't know, a little bit of a gadget. It's funky,
you know, you're kind of throwing a curve ball out there.
It's not going to be the meat and potatoes of
any offense.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
Absolutely, Yeah, I don't think you could do it regularly.
I just really don't. I mean, what's the point of it, right,
I don't think they're both serving you as like I
don't think a second running back is serving you as
a passing option more than a wide receiver would. I
don't think that they're service in the pocket game more
than the next year tigh end or fullback would. What's
the point of having two running backs out there other
(25:41):
than just those kind of gimmicky gadget you know, formations.
You throw it out there just to give this defense
a different look every once in a while, But it's
not something you could regularly do.
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Yeah, and a receiver, it's so hard to find a
running back that's as good or a good enough receiver
to justify you know, motioning him out into the slot
or something like that. It takes a Christian McCaffrey darren
Sprolls type. Those guys are few and far between. Once again, everybody,
this is Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos breaking down
(26:10):
the running backs for the draft from a Denver Bronco's
perspective with us here tonight. Joey, I'm curious we talked
about a Mario and Hampton, some of the guys at
the top of this draft.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
Maybe you even would pair one later on. What do
you think if you're a GM.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Looking at you know, general consensus or general projections on
where these backs are going to go, what do you
think is the best bang for your buck? And hey,
if it's a Mario and Hampton in the first if
you think that's the best value, you know, go ahead
and answer that. But you know, do you think it's
it's a guy in the sixth round, is it a
guy in the third round?
Speaker 2 (26:44):
What is the best bang for your buck back in
this draft?
Speaker 3 (26:48):
I think one of the most overlooked running backs in
this classes. DJ Giddens from Kansas State. If any of
our listeners are Colorado football fans. I'm sure you remember
DJ Gidden lighting the Puffs up this year. Who's like
all the big twelve running backs in this draft. I
don't really think it is against the Buffs this year,
but DJ Giddons is very, very solid, taller, more of
(27:09):
an upright running style, which is a concern for some.
Speaker 4 (27:13):
But ran a four to.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
Four three is less six foot two. I think he's
a six foot one. I think he's around two hundred
and sixteen pounds. Very shifty, very shifty in open field.
He's kind of the guy, the vision type back. I
would say zone scheme back. I would love to see
DJ Giddons in a wide zone scheme, but I think
he can do multiple stuff. I think he can run
(27:37):
gap as well. DJ Giddens is a guy, maybe early
day three, that you might be able to grab and
be productive right away in year one. That is a
name I throw out there for you.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
I love DJ Giddens a lot. I mean he torched
the Buffs, like you're saying. The scheme point I think
is a fair one, but you know, and he's not
the flashingest option, but I think he's just a plug
and play really really good running back. Then again, so
kind of thought the same thing about estimate, Joey, do
you have a sleeper running back in this draft? You know,
(28:12):
Philip lindsay, such a rare exception, but kind of what
you were talking about earlier at the start of the segment.
We've seen a lot of these later drafted running backs
go on to have, you know, at least productive careers
in the NFL. Is there, you know, later Day three
option than DJ Giddens who jumps out to you in
that regard.
Speaker 3 (28:32):
You know, it's so hard to say where these running
backs are going to go exactly, Zacht, because it is
such a strong group. It feels like people's rankings are
all over the place. It's hard to even get an
idea of where these guys go. But based off of
my rankings, I'm gonna go straight back to the Big twelve.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
I'll go R. J.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
Harvey from you see as the Central Florida. That is
a guy that some may be overlooking as well, smaller
in height wise, but Stout has really good contact balance,
is blazing fast. There's a type of running back that
I would say goes and replaces in that Jelil McLoughlin role.
(29:11):
That's the type of running back I'm seeing here. Showed
off his hand a little bit at the Senior Bowl.
Didn't seem much of it at UCF, but that was
impressed there, which is what those events are for.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
R J.
Speaker 3 (29:22):
Harvey is the name I circle. Multi time thousand yard
rusher through Central Florida as well, really really good player.
Speaker 2 (29:29):
Okay, now you're speaking my language, Joey RG. Harvey. Sorry.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
R J.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
Harvey rather might just be my my draft crush at
the running back position this year.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
You mentioned the speed.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
I think he'd be a great fill in in that
Julie mc McLoughlin role, But for people that haven't necessarily
watched him play, I think he also brings a good
bit more power to the position than we've seen from McLoughlin.
I think he can hold up not only you know,
maybe in more physical situations as a runner, but project
a little better as a pass protector as well, which
(30:01):
we know is going to be important with Bonix developing.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Absolutely so, I don't know if he's there yet, but
you're coldly right. You have all the ability to be
there as a pass protector, which is what we're looking for.
Especially from a running back or grabbing the lake right,
a complimentary back, someone you can go out there and
develop into, maybe a guy that can be a full
time starter for you. Very interesting running style too, Zach
(30:25):
are sure, as you know, kind of shades of Leed
beyond Bell a little bit in the way he will
sit behind the light of scrimmage and.
Speaker 4 (30:33):
Then all of a sudden, just shoot.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
Out of a cannon for a big game. Really past
and quick agility. I would also point out, and open
field is jump cut is ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
There's a couple guys in this class with that kind
of Laveyon Bell patience to him. It's interesting. I wonder
if that's finally triggering out. He was such a unique
tree with him. I wonder if it's trickled down some
because these are the guys that grew up, you know,
in middle school, high school, playing football, watching Le'Veon Bell
when he was at the top of the game. Joey,
(31:05):
I want to make you play a GM for me
one last time here.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Okay, sorry, really quick.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
I should remind everybody this is Joey Richards of Let's
talk Broncos joining us. We're looking at which running backs
to the Broncos should target in the draft, with that
probably being their greatest need remaining in the veteran market
drying up. Nonetheless, I think there's one veteran name out
there that still intrigues me.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
With JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
I'm curious, do you think which of these pairings interests
you more?
Speaker 2 (31:38):
JK.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Dobbins and Amari and Hampton? Is the Broncos lead to
backs next year? Or maybe they save some of that money,
spend it elsewhere on the veteran market and go with
two mid round running backs and said, I'll steal your
draft crushes here and say, R. J. Harvey and DJ Giddens,
which of those running back rooms do you prefer, not
only for twenty twenty five, but going forward.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
That's okay. I would rather have JK. Dobbins than Amario
and Hampton. I think Hampton just clears these other two
guys you mentioned, while they're both great prospects in their
own right. Then along with that, I'm not I think
something with rookie running backs that's always willing to scare
you a little bit is pass protection. Both those guys
(32:21):
get in, get in struggling in past protection. And then
Harvey still has work to do in past protection. Who
is going to be who are you going to throw
on the field? If you're Sean Dayton that we have
to have it third down? You have to block up
a blissing linebacker. Who's that going to be between those
two rookies, That's a tough one. I think Hampton you
have better likelihood And I think JK. Dobbins, being a
(32:43):
VET in the league, knows what help pass protection is. Like,
I think this Broncos team could be good next year,
and those are the small stuff you need to be
a really solid football team a good pass protecting back.
So I would go with the VET and Marion Hampson.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
I love that answer, Joey, tell the people really quick,
thanks again so much for joining us and for the
time tonight giving us some great insight into the Denver
Broncos running back position, and tell everybody where they should
check out you're working and find where you're a great
draft coverage.
Speaker 3 (33:14):
Yeah, everyone, please go to lepstock Broncos dot com. A
lot of great draft articles on there, not just me,
but a ton of great draft writers. And then follow
me on Twitter at LTB Underscore joe My tweet all
the time about the traft. If you guys want my
instant bosses, I'm watching stuff, you can follow me there.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Absolutely make sure you guys go follow him over on Twitter.
And we're writing a lot more draft coverage to come
as draft season starts to heat up.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Joey, thanks again so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (33:43):
Yeah, thank you, Zach.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
So glad we could get Joey on with us here tonight.
Just such a great draft mind. Always love picking his brain,
especially about the running back position. Definitely check out his
article Deep Dive. We touched on a couple of the
names here, but as eight for you to really digest
and get a closer look at. So as the draft
(34:06):
gets closer and as the Broncos are looking at that
running back position, I think that is a great resource
for you. Broncos Country coming up after the break. More
Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty AM and ninety
four to one FM.
Hello everybody, and welcome to Some Broncos Country Tonight, a
post Rocky Spring training edition of Broncos Country Tonight. I'm
your fill and host Zach Seekers, covering for Benjamin Albright
and Nick Ferguson. After again, like I said, some Corado
rocky spring training baseball. With baseball getting roll in here
(00:21):
and you know, now we've got March Madness fully rolling.
I hope all your brackets are in good shape still
after today, with all that getting heated up, it feels
like football is winding down a bit. You know, we
got first wave of free agency behind us, and now
we're kind of in that lull between the peak of
free agency and the veteran market and all that veteran
movement and of course the NFL Draft. Now, you know
(00:44):
the Broncos are going to be looking to fill it
kind of during this will fill some more minor holes
around the roster, and you know that's gonna give us
a pretty good idea of how they plan on strategically
attacking that NFL draft.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
A couple of those kind of.
Speaker 1 (00:58):
Around the margin moves we should see here in the
near future, or already saw this week. First Matt Hack
or Hawk I think it's Hawk, the veteran punter, will
be replacing Riley Dixon as the team.
Speaker 2 (01:11):
Starter at that position.
Speaker 1 (01:13):
Little surprising that the Broncos went in this direct direction
just because Matt Hawk has not been a starting punter
for lack of a better term, either of the past
two seasons. The last time he was a team's punter
for the majority of their regular season games was twenty
twenty two. You know, he got to go back to
(01:34):
the Nathaniel hacke get head coaching tenure, which feels like
ancient history now. And you know, even when you look
at his numbers, because he did appear in five games
this past season, and he appeared in a game in
twenty twenty three as a reserve player due to injury,
it's not very exciting. He ranked thirty out of thirty
four qualifying punters in twenty twenty four in net punt average.
(01:55):
You know, he's being marketed to Bronco's country as well.
This is a very accurate hang time. I'm focused punter
and he's gonna limit returns and all that. Well, net
punting yardage will factor in what you're allowing on returns.
If you're just bombing the ball downfield, but allowing as
a result, you're out kicking your coverage and allowing a
very long return, you're not gonna rank well in net
(02:16):
punt average.
Speaker 3 (02:18):
Well.
Speaker 1 (02:18):
Matt Hawk, even when factorying in how he's helping out
punt coverage, how he's limiting those returns, branks.
Speaker 2 (02:25):
Thirtieth out of thirty four in that category.
Speaker 1 (02:29):
So when you're replacing it, by the way, Riley Dixon
comfortably top half of the league, top ten actually in
that same metric in twenty twenty four. So you take
again what was a pretty defined strength for this Broncos
team in twenty twenty five or sorry, twenty twenty four
absolutely helped them reach the playoffs and have the season
that they did. The special teams and there are a
(02:50):
good few questions surrounding it now. Ben paw Twika, of course,
the former special teams coordinator was let go, so they've
got a new body in there. I'm Smith, who is
probably their best core special teamer. He is out the door.
He'll be playing for the Houston Texans next season. And
now you're punter, who again was a quality punter, not
(03:12):
a star punter, if such a thing exists. But a
quality punter, he's out the door, and you replaced him
with a guy who's been out of the league the
last two seasons or darn near out of the league.
Broncos ranked fourth overall last season in special teams DVA.
I think DVOA is great because there's so many weird
factors with special teams. You know, field goal percentage, where
(03:34):
were you kicking those field goals from? You know, how
many were at altitude, how many were in bad weather conditions?
You know, with punting, where was your team punting from regularly?
You know, if you're consistently punting from the plus forty,
you're going to have a shorter punt average than a
team consistently punting from you know, the minus twenty or
the minus thirty. So DVA kind of factors all that
(03:56):
in and you see your Broncos unit the last year
was the fourth overall, Like I said, twelfth in kickoff
coverage and eleventh in punt coverage. Those would be the
units kickoff because you're losing your ace cover guy and
punt covers because you're losing your race cover guy and
your punter. Those are the areas you could really see
regression and you know, it looks like the defense has
(04:17):
gotten better on paper. I think people are expecting the
offense to get better now that Bonix isn't a rookie
and we'll have a full off season to grow and
develop under Sean Payton in that offense. But the special
teams right now, it looks like that got worse for
the Broncos. And when this team is trying to take
a step forward, that's a bit concerning. You know, the
defense better, check, offense better, you know, still work in progress,
(04:40):
but looking good, especially the addition of Evan Ingram. Special
teams sharp decline, you know, And that's even with them.
Shelled out some money for Mitchell Febroni trying to keep
her long snapper in place. That's not the only move
around the margins of the roster. We'll talk about that
really quick. That's also before we get into a meteor topic.
(05:02):
Let's look at Mike Cliss on Monday reporting that it
would be surprising to him at this point if Michael
Burton didn't return to the Broncos in twenty twenty five,
and as was the case with the punter conversation, this
is a pretty low consequence, but nonetheless It's something that
matters when you're constructing a team, when you're trying to
(05:24):
upgrade a team and take the next step as a
contender and really a loaded AFC, and that's you know,
are you using these roster spots as wise as he
possibly could?
Speaker 2 (05:34):
Is this the right allocation of resources?
Speaker 1 (05:38):
You know?
Speaker 2 (05:38):
Is it necessary.
Speaker 1 (05:39):
To make sure you have thirty three year old or
thirty two year old Michael Burton on the twenty twenty
five Denver Broncos when you already have a fullback, you know,
in Nate Atkins is this full back tight end hybrid player.
But the thing is is he's not like your premiere
tight end. His role on the roster is he's kind
of this utility player that can do both. Is the
(06:02):
drop off from Burton to Adkins at fullback so dramatic
or even on special teams? Is that drop off so
dramatic that you aren't better served just signing an actual
blocking tight end, because that's the role. Adkins is filling
a tight end right now, you know, and he's doing
a so so job at it. It's passable. But what
if the Broncos, rather than invest in a real deal fullback,
(06:26):
what if you put Nate Adkins there and you invest
in a real deal blocking tight end, so they don't
have on this offense right now. And the lack of
a blocking tight end that was a major reason this
run game struggled as much as it did in twenty
twenty four. You know, the lack of running back talent
probably the primary reason. I think the questions at tight
(06:46):
end might be reason number two for that. That or center,
and so you just and it's only gotten worse with
Evan Ingram taking on a big role at tight end.
Speaker 2 (06:54):
And that's okay.
Speaker 1 (06:55):
It's a trade off you're happy to make with v Ingram,
That's why the Broncos paid him so much money. But
it's still a trade off your making. And they should
look for a guy who's a little more reliable, a
little more sturdy in line and helping out the ground game.
Another option that might help out the ground game, at
least some in Broncos country might think so. Taysom Hill
(07:15):
BYU legend and New Orleans Saints legend as well. I
guess you could call him a legend. He made his
appearance at BYU's March Madness game here in Denver. Very
quickly people started connecting some obvious thoughts. Taysom Hill, you know,
the Sean Payton protege, Sean Payton's I don't know what's
(07:37):
the right word for it. Sean Payton's muse is that
it's a player that Sean Payton absolutely beloved, overpaid, really
wanted to keep in New Orleans during his tenure with
the Saints. Peyton's that is, and now that he's in Denver,
maybe he tries to to reunite. Not so high on
that idea. You know, Taysom Hill is thirty four years old.
(08:00):
He'll be thirty five this next season. He turns thirty
five in August, and you know he was an older prospect,
so there's limited tread on the tires. But he does
not play like your average quarterback or you know, really
even your average tight end. With how often he's running
right into a pile and being used as like a power.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Full back omos or a power running back.
Speaker 1 (08:21):
He's kind of what some people wanted Tim Tebow to
settle for, kind of that full back ish role. And
is this a role the Broncos really need in their offense?
Even you know, Taysom Hill made some sense in New
Orleans because who were New Orleans quarterbacks during that time
well late stage, Drew Brees who barely had anything left
(08:42):
in the tank, and Teddy Bridgewater, who, as Broncos Country
knows all to well not in especially mobile option.
Speaker 2 (08:49):
A bit of a statue back there.
Speaker 1 (08:51):
So when those are your quarterback options, and again let's
turn back the clock, we're talking twenty eighteen, twenty nineteen,
twenty twenty, All right, quarterback run game is starting to
come into vogue with Lamar Jackson entering the league in
twenty eighteen, Jaylen Hurts enters the league in twenty twenty.
It's becoming more and more prominent during this time, Daniel
Jones entering the league in was that twenty nineteen, right,
(09:13):
becoming more and more prominent. So if you're, you know,
this offensive wizard, as you build Sean Payton, you want
to start tapping into the new vogue thing offensively. But
your quarterbacks are Drew Brees and Teddy Bridgewater. How are
you going to do that? You got to get a
different body in there. Now, you got the passing the
ball that that part's covered. It's the running bit. So
that's how Taysom Hill fits into everything, right, can't really throw.
(09:37):
But he's very mobile, so you want to do some
of that funcky creative stuff from the quarterback position.
Speaker 2 (09:41):
He can do that.
Speaker 1 (09:42):
Can he still do that at thirty four? Or at
least can he still do that at as thirty five?
Speaker 2 (09:47):
Even?
Speaker 1 (09:47):
Can you do that at thirty five at a level
that's appreciably better than bow Nicks to the point that
it deserves to give him a roster spot, and looking
at the quarterback market, at least five million dollars could
go to jay A K.
Speaker 2 (10:00):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (10:00):
Who do you think is going to be more useful
on this Bronco's roster next year? Hypothetically you gotta choose JK.
Speaker 2 (10:06):
Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (10:07):
It could very easily be the starting running back or
the wonky gadget quarterback who is well past his prime,
probably say the former. Last little tidbit I want to
touch on briefly here before, as I said, before getting
into a little heavier topic or heavier makes it sound
like talking about a puppy dying or something more thoughtful topic,
(10:32):
a more thought provoking topic is the latest article I
dropped over on Koacolorado dot com. Go over there, hit
the Denver Broncos tab and you can find both of
my last two articles actually used Matt Barrows quotes from
KOA Sports. He appeared as a guest on KOA Sports
this past week, used his quotes on Drake Greenlaw and
(10:55):
Talanoa Hufunga to help paint a picture of what Broncos
country should expect from those big signings. And this other
one I thought was really cool Benny Fowler, who of
course caught Peyton Manning's last pass Super Bowl fifty champion.
He was in Koa covering for ko Sports as a
(11:16):
special guest host last week, and he has been teammates
with almost all of the Broncos free agent signings. Namely,
or chiefly, Dre Greenlaw and Avin Ingram were players that
Benny Fowler spent time with, and he provided tremendous insight
on KOA Sports as to know not only what are
(11:38):
these guys going to bring the Denver Broncos on Sundays,
but what are they going to bring them Tuesday through
Friday during team practices. And he really had some great
stories about Drey Greenlaw and the type of impact he
brings to the defense. So I had to do a
shameless plug really quick there please go check that out
Koacolorado dot com. Think you'll really enjoy those articles up
(12:00):
before you go over there and check those out. Last
little topic for you before next segment, we get Joey
Richards from Let's Talk Broncos on to talk about what
running backs the Denver Broncos should be targeting in this
year's NFL draft. Let's tee that up by looking at
the vet running back market, because the Denver Broncos are
(12:21):
probably going to want to add a veteran if you
look at Champaign's made some sizable investments in the running
back position before trading up for Kamara, drafting mark Ingram
in the first round. But even when he made those
moves for guys who you know, were very talented their
rookie year, it's not like these were slow developers or anything.
(12:43):
They were in, you know, fifty to fifty splits in
the backfield. I think Bronco's country, you know, now, there's
not as substantial competition in the backfield right now as
mark Ingram was facing or Alvin Kamara was facing. But
I think Broncos country should brace themselves for even if
(13:03):
it isn't Amari and Hampton in the first round, that
running back probably won't see much more than fifty five
percent of the snaps. I would say it probably max
is out at seventy. I think that would be very
very high up there. I think that's a very aggressive projection.
I think again, it's probably more for that rookie. Anywhere
between forty and sixty is probably where to end up
(13:26):
falling in terms of what percentage of touches or snaps
or targets they're receiving.
Speaker 2 (13:31):
In this offense.
Speaker 1 (13:33):
So that means you better find a solid veteran option,
and that's a little disappointing because the Broncos have missed
out on a lot of quality veteran options. Rico Dubell,
who signed with the Carolina Panthers, would have been great.
Speaker 2 (13:46):
Nagee.
Speaker 1 (13:46):
Harris isn't an exciting option, but for the five million
dollar price he signed.
Speaker 2 (13:50):
With the Chargers.
Speaker 1 (13:52):
Would be a very nice upgrade for the Denver Broncos
run game, or at least a guy you could rely
on to raise.
Speaker 2 (13:58):
The floor of the room.
Speaker 1 (14:00):
You know what you're getting with Nagierras and it's not flashy,
but it'll raise the floor and then you can go
out in the draft and add that other flashier option
right now.
Speaker 2 (14:09):
JK.
Speaker 1 (14:09):
Dobbins is the option for the Denver Broncos. And I
know I was talking with Benjamin Albright earlier tonight on
Broncos Country Tonight in the first hour of the show
about how aggressive are.
Speaker 2 (14:19):
They going to be chasing JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (14:20):
Do they have any other running backs in mind? And
he said, you know, they're kind of waiting for that
price to come down. But also JK. Dobbins is the
guy at running back for them, and that makes sense
you look at the market. The only other options that
I think makes some sense for the Broncos just because
I think what they are going to most want to
prioritize in that veteran is who can keep bo Nix upright?
Because Rocky struggle in pass protection. We need a veteran
(14:42):
we can rely on to keep bo Nicks upright.
Speaker 2 (14:45):
Who's that going to be? JK.
Speaker 1 (14:47):
Dobbins fits that bill. But there really aren't that many
other names out there that do. Two that do, and
Jamal Williams is a big name, but he has really
struggled in pass protection this past season in New Orleans.
The two that do make sense from keeping the oh,
Nick's safe. That perspective would be Nick Chubb and Gus Edwards.
And the problem there is neither of those guys are
(15:08):
even remotely threatening if we want to be honest at
this point in their careers as running backs. If I'm
an opponent and you have Nick Chubb on the field,
I'm begging you throw in the football. I'm begging you
to hand the ball off. That is a wasted down
for me. That is a win for me. As a defense,
you are going to fall behind the sticks far more
often than not with either of those two backs.
Speaker 2 (15:28):
Maybe they bring you something in.
Speaker 1 (15:31):
Those final five yards to the end zone or very
short yarded situations. Maybe they give you something there, but
still even there, that's a big maybe. Given what we
saw from those two last season. The one thing you
know you're going to get from this pass protection, which
again is maybe the top priority, but you need a
little something else out of those players otherwise they become tells.
Even if you want to vary the play calling, because
(15:52):
again I'm not going to respect the other options. I'm
only going to respect them as a pass protector. The
only guy left who is at least the little threatening
as a runner and pretty reliable as a past protector JK. Dobbins,
the Broncos cannot miss out on him, especially with how
much Sean Payton likes to lean on these veteran backs.
If they have to be a little aggressive and go
a little over the top with the price to make
(16:14):
sure they land him, I think that's something they absolutely
should do. But where should they go in the NFL
draft at running back? Will be taking an even closer
look at that running back position coming up here shortly
with my man Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos. Stick
around for Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty am
(16:37):
ninety four one FM. Welcome back to Broncos Country tonight, everybody.
I'm your Phil and host Zach Segers, covering for Benjamin
Albright and Nick ferguson here tonight following some Colorado Rockies
spring training baseball. You know, we just got done in
(16:59):
the last segment talking about where the Broncos stand after
that first wave of free agency and what they need
to address moving forward here, and I think the big
conversation point there on everyone's mind is the running back position.
Speaker 2 (17:13):
So to take a closer look.
Speaker 1 (17:15):
At that need I wanted to lean on someone who
I know is very familiar with it. So let's head
on over to the KOA Common Spirit health hotline with
our guest Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos, who just
recently wrote an article ranking the top eight running backs
in this class from a Denver Broncos perspective who would
be the best fits with the team.
Speaker 2 (17:35):
So, Joey, how are you doing tonight?
Speaker 3 (17:38):
I'm doing great. I'm excited to be on the show.
I appreciate you having me on the running back position. Man,
so one of the Broncos need. I think everyone who's
been fong the team closely to all agree upon that.
And luckily for them, it's a great running back group
this year in the draft.
Speaker 1 (17:55):
And that's perfect because that's exactly where I want to start.
What is your general will take just overall on the
class before we drill down into some of the specific prospects.
How I feel like it's been hyped up as a
historically strong class. Do you think the prospects are good
enough to live up to that billing?
Speaker 3 (18:15):
I really do, Zach. I mean, when you look at
the history of it, the history of the position just generally,
you're going to see you hit on more late round
running backs than maybe any other position in football this year,
with it being as deep as it is, You're going
to see a lot of good running backs come out
of this class. It's a really solid group, and so.
Speaker 1 (18:38):
A Marion Hampton kind of talking about the strength of
that group, Amarion Hampton and Ashton Genty stand out as
two of the favorites. I know this is a weaker
draft class in general, Hampton and gent being the guys
often mocked in the first round, sometimes even to the Broncos.
Do you think those prospects are worthy of a first
(19:00):
round pick in an average draft year or do you
think they're getting pushed up some either because of team
need or you know, just a weaker draft class overall.
Speaker 3 (19:10):
Yeah, So I think how I would look at this
is I look at this running back class in different tiers.
I think Genti's in the tier of his own zech
He's a guy that goes in the first round undoubtedly
every single draft class. I think Ashton Gents goes. Amriom
Hampton I would probably say usually does as well. I
think he is has very few weak points in his game. Honestly,
(19:32):
a Maroon. Hampton's really good, He's just not as special
as Genti. And a lot of the time you see
running backs get pushed down the board just because of
the importance of positional value and running back, as I
mentioned earlier, being an easier position to find compared to
other positions.
Speaker 4 (19:48):
So I think he usually goes in the first round.
Speaker 3 (19:51):
But it's towards the end, and if it's not, then
probably early in the second round.
Speaker 1 (19:57):
So with there in your mind being you know, kind
of a clear break between Hampton and Genty even you know,
at the between those running backs at the top of
the draft, do you think it's worth trading up for
Genty maybe into that ten range, you know, maybe even
ahead of a team like the Bears, who have been
tied to him, you know, even despite it being the
(20:18):
running back position, even despite some of the other pressing
needs on this roster, and you know, kind of the
analytical community being anti trading up for running backs, do
you think gent is good enough to be the exception
to that rule.
Speaker 3 (20:32):
I'm pretty anti trading up for anything that's not a quarterback.
I really am. I don't think I would trade up
for either of those two because as we mentioned it's
such a strong draft, Like, I am not forcing myself
to go trade extra hass as first around running backs
already pushing it a lot of people, and then giving
up a first round pick plus to go up and
(20:54):
get a guy. I just don't see the value there
when you can go and get you know, maybe a
less or per prospects, but still a really good one
later in the draft. It would be hard for me
to tackle that.
Speaker 1 (21:04):
Okay, I'm glad I'm not alone there because I know
I can be a little nerdy with my my care
free analytics and everything. But man, trading up, you know,
trading multiple premium picks to go up and get a
running back that you know it was five a a
little undersized for the position.
Speaker 2 (21:20):
That would have me very anxious.
Speaker 1 (21:21):
I wonder if you're gonna be able to get your
bang the bang for your buck on that one.
Speaker 2 (21:26):
Really quick.
Speaker 1 (21:26):
This is once again Joey Richards of Let's Talk Broncos
joining us on the KOA Comment Spirit Health Hotline to
talk about some of the top running backs in this
class for the Denver Broncos. Joey, what do you think
a mari and Hampton being kind of the popular mock
target with the Broncos that especially in the first round.
(21:47):
What do you think he would bring to the Denver
Broncos from day one? Try to paint that picture for
the audience. What could they expect from an Amari and
Hampton led backfield in twenty twenty five.
Speaker 3 (21:57):
I think all around type of running back. I think
this is a three down running back, a guy that
can sit down in pass protect. You can play him
in those obvious passing situations. But most importantly, it's really
really great at running football. I mean, one thing really
missed for quite a bit now at the running back
position is elite vision, really good vision, being able to
(22:19):
read his lockers in front of him and pick up
the yards without even having to break a tackle. Yet
that's something that Marion Hampton does really well. He's schemed
versatile on that way as well as he could run
most gap and zone run schemes efficiently.
Speaker 4 (22:33):
And then after breaking to the.
Speaker 3 (22:35):
Largest scrimmage, he's a wrecking ball. He's elite contact balance,
Guys are bouncing off of him, and he's he explosive
as well. He has a little bit of the home
run ball in and I wouldn't say that's.
Speaker 4 (22:47):
Like his sh trait, but he has it there, which
is an overall really.
Speaker 3 (22:52):
Solid running back. I mean, I think behind the Broncos
offensive line, which is underrated, I think we just weren't
able to see how good they were with just not
having great or efficient running backs last year. Myn Hamton
could come in and be a thousand yard rusher right
off of the.
Speaker 1 (23:07):
Bat, and with some being that level of prospect and
also the investment necessary to draft a running back in
the first round, that in and of itself being a
bit of an outlier. What how would you feel about
this team drafting multiple running backs, even if one of
them comes in the first round, considering how many bodies
(23:28):
they seemingly need to add to that running back room
as it currently stands.
Speaker 3 (23:33):
I wouldn't be opposed to it. Now I think people
are pushing it. I've seen the narrative out the that
the Broncos should draft back to back running back, kind
of like they did with Jerry Judy and kJ Hammler
at wide receiver that year. I wouldn't do that. I
think you have too many needs to just double down
on one position, especially when you can't play those two
at the same time regularly, I think that's just too
(23:55):
much of an investment in that position. But I could
totally get behind. Hey, we draft first round running back
and then maybe early day three of the draft, we're
drafting another who is the second guy or the spellback
part of that, I would preferably want two different skill
sets there. If I'm drafting Hampton, for example, in the
(24:15):
first round, I want to want more of a speedsker
receiver type, and later in the draft, I would.
Speaker 4 (24:21):
At least want to make them compliment each other.
Speaker 3 (24:24):
If I'm taking one guy off the field, I have
a completely different that's there.
Speaker 1 (24:28):
I think that point about can these guys be on
the same field at the same time is a great
point that people have been overlooking, you know, for starters.
Speaker 2 (24:35):
I don't think you want to go back to that.
Speaker 1 (24:37):
Judy kJ Amler, Well, that strategy did not serve the
Broncos at all. I think is honestly played a role
in then struggling during that you know, kind of Drew
locked Teddy Bridgewater era. They missed out on contributions, meaningful
contributions from two premium picks, and then at least you
could play those guys hypothetically, you know, if family turned
(24:57):
out a little better, you could play those guys on
the field at the the same time. Like, yes, pony
personnel where you get those two running backs on the
field does exist, but it's a rarity and it's kind of,
I don't know, a little bit of a gadget. It's funky,
you know, you're kind of throwing a curve ball out there.
It's not going to be the meat and potatoes of
any offense.
Speaker 3 (25:18):
Absolutely, Yeah, I don't think you could do it regularly.
I just really don't. I mean, what's the point of it, right,
I don't think they're both serving you as like I
don't think a second running back is serving you as
a passing option more than a wide receiver would. I
don't think that they're service in the pocket game more
than the next year tigh end or fullback would. What's
the point of having two running backs out there other
(25:41):
than just those kind of gimmicky gadget you know, formations.
You throw it out there just to give this defense
a different look every once in a while, But it's
not something you could regularly do.
Speaker 1 (25:50):
Yeah, and a receiver, it's so hard to find a
running back that's as good or a good enough receiver
to justify you know, motioning him out into the slot
or something like that. It takes a Christian McCaffrey darren
Sprolls type. Those guys are few and far between. Once again, everybody,
this is Joey Richards from Let's Talk Broncos breaking down
(26:10):
the running backs for the draft from a Denver Bronco's
perspective with us here tonight. Joey, I'm curious we talked
about a Mario and Hampton, some of the guys at
the top of this draft.
Speaker 2 (26:20):
Maybe you even would pair one later on. What do
you think if you're a GM.
Speaker 1 (26:26):
Looking at you know, general consensus or general projections on
where these backs are going to go, what do you
think is the best bang for your buck? And hey,
if it's a Mario and Hampton in the first if
you think that's the best value, you know, go ahead
and answer that. But you know, do you think it's
it's a guy in the sixth round, is it a
guy in the third round?
Speaker 2 (26:44):
What is the best bang for your buck back in
this draft?
Speaker 3 (26:48):
I think one of the most overlooked running backs in
this classes. DJ Giddens from Kansas State. If any of
our listeners are Colorado football fans. I'm sure you remember
DJ Gidden lighting the Puffs up this year. Who's like
all the big twelve running backs in this draft. I
don't really think it is against the Buffs this year,
but DJ Giddons is very, very solid, taller, more of
(27:09):
an upright running style, which is a concern for some.
Speaker 4 (27:13):
But ran a four to.
Speaker 3 (27:14):
Four three is less six foot two. I think he's
a six foot one. I think he's around two hundred
and sixteen pounds. Very shifty, very shifty in open field.
He's kind of the guy, the vision type back. I
would say zone scheme back. I would love to see
DJ Giddons in a wide zone scheme, but I think
he can do multiple stuff. I think he can run
(27:37):
gap as well. DJ Giddens is a guy, maybe early
day three, that you might be able to grab and
be productive right away in year one. That is a
name I throw out there for you.
Speaker 1 (27:50):
I love DJ Giddens a lot. I mean he torched
the Buffs, like you're saying. The scheme point I think
is a fair one, but you know, and he's not
the flashingest option, but I think he's just a plug
and play really really good running back. Then again, so
kind of thought the same thing about estimate, Joey, do
you have a sleeper running back in this draft? You know,
(28:12):
Philip lindsay, such a rare exception, but kind of what
you were talking about earlier at the start of the segment.
We've seen a lot of these later drafted running backs
go on to have, you know, at least productive careers
in the NFL. Is there, you know, later Day three
option than DJ Giddens who jumps out to you in
that regard.
Speaker 3 (28:32):
You know, it's so hard to say where these running
backs are going to go exactly, Zacht, because it is
such a strong group. It feels like people's rankings are
all over the place. It's hard to even get an
idea of where these guys go. But based off of
my rankings, I'm gonna go straight back to the Big twelve.
Speaker 4 (28:48):
I'll go R. J.
Speaker 3 (28:49):
Harvey from you see as the Central Florida. That is
a guy that some may be overlooking as well, smaller
in height wise, but Stout has really good contact balance,
is blazing fast. There's a type of running back that
I would say goes and replaces in that Jelil McLoughlin role.
(29:11):
That's the type of running back I'm seeing here. Showed
off his hand a little bit at the Senior Bowl.
Didn't seem much of it at UCF, but that was
impressed there, which is what those events are for.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
R J.
Speaker 3 (29:22):
Harvey is the name I circle. Multi time thousand yard
rusher through Central Florida as well, really really good player.
Speaker 2 (29:29):
Okay, now you're speaking my language, Joey RG. Harvey. Sorry.
Speaker 4 (29:33):
R J.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
Harvey rather might just be my my draft crush at
the running back position this year.
Speaker 2 (29:39):
You mentioned the speed.
Speaker 1 (29:40):
I think he'd be a great fill in in that
Julie mc McLoughlin role, But for people that haven't necessarily
watched him play, I think he also brings a good
bit more power to the position than we've seen from McLoughlin.
I think he can hold up not only you know,
maybe in more physical situations as a runner, but project
a little better as a pass protector as well, which
(30:01):
we know is going to be important with Bonix developing.
Speaker 3 (30:04):
Absolutely so, I don't know if he's there yet, but
you're coldly right. You have all the ability to be
there as a pass protector, which is what we're looking for.
Especially from a running back or grabbing the lake right,
a complimentary back, someone you can go out there and
develop into, maybe a guy that can be a full
time starter for you. Very interesting running style too, Zach
(30:25):
are sure, as you know, kind of shades of Leed
beyond Bell a little bit in the way he will
sit behind the light of scrimmage and.
Speaker 4 (30:33):
Then all of a sudden, just shoot.
Speaker 3 (30:35):
Out of a cannon for a big game. Really past
and quick agility. I would also point out, and open
field is jump cut is ridiculous.
Speaker 1 (30:45):
There's a couple guys in this class with that kind
of Laveyon Bell patience to him. It's interesting. I wonder
if that's finally triggering out. He was such a unique
tree with him. I wonder if it's trickled down some
because these are the guys that grew up, you know,
in middle school, high school, playing football, watching Le'Veon Bell
when he was at the top of the game. Joey,
(31:05):
I want to make you play a GM for me
one last time here.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Okay, sorry, really quick.
Speaker 1 (31:12):
I should remind everybody this is Joey Richards of Let's
talk Broncos joining us. We're looking at which running backs
to the Broncos should target in the draft, with that
probably being their greatest need remaining in the veteran market
drying up. Nonetheless, I think there's one veteran name out
there that still intrigues me.
Speaker 2 (31:29):
With JK. Dobbins.
Speaker 1 (31:32):
I'm curious, do you think which of these pairings interests
you more?
Speaker 2 (31:38):
JK.
Speaker 1 (31:38):
Dobbins and Amari and Hampton? Is the Broncos lead to
backs next year? Or maybe they save some of that money,
spend it elsewhere on the veteran market and go with
two mid round running backs and said, I'll steal your
draft crushes here and say, R. J. Harvey and DJ Giddens,
which of those running back rooms do you prefer, not
only for twenty twenty five, but going forward.
Speaker 3 (32:01):
That's okay. I would rather have JK. Dobbins than Amario
and Hampton. I think Hampton just clears these other two
guys you mentioned, while they're both great prospects in their
own right. Then along with that, I'm not I think
something with rookie running backs that's always willing to scare
you a little bit is pass protection. Both those guys
(32:21):
get in, get in struggling in past protection. And then
Harvey still has work to do in past protection. Who
is going to be who are you going to throw
on the field? If you're Sean Dayton that we have
to have it third down? You have to block up
a blissing linebacker. Who's that going to be between those
two rookies, That's a tough one. I think Hampton you
have better likelihood And I think JK. Dobbins, being a
(32:43):
VET in the league, knows what help pass protection is. Like,
I think this Broncos team could be good next year,
and those are the small stuff you need to be
a really solid football team a good pass protecting back.
So I would go with the VET and Marion Hampson.
Speaker 1 (32:58):
I love that answer, Joey, tell the people really quick,
thanks again so much for joining us and for the
time tonight giving us some great insight into the Denver
Broncos running back position, and tell everybody where they should
check out you're working and find where you're a great
draft coverage.
Speaker 3 (33:14):
Yeah, everyone, please go to lepstock Broncos dot com. A
lot of great draft articles on there, not just me,
but a ton of great draft writers. And then follow
me on Twitter at LTB Underscore joe My tweet all
the time about the traft. If you guys want my
instant bosses, I'm watching stuff, you can follow me there.
Speaker 1 (33:33):
Absolutely make sure you guys go follow him over on Twitter.
And we're writing a lot more draft coverage to come
as draft season starts to heat up.
Speaker 2 (33:41):
Joey, thanks again so much for the time.
Speaker 3 (33:43):
Yeah, thank you, Zach.
Speaker 1 (33:45):
So glad we could get Joey on with us here tonight.
Just such a great draft mind. Always love picking his brain,
especially about the running back position. Definitely check out his
article Deep Dive. We touched on a couple of the
names here, but as eight for you to really digest
and get a closer look at. So as the draft
(34:06):
gets closer and as the Broncos are looking at that
running back position, I think that is a great resource
for you. Broncos Country coming up after the break. More
Broncos Country tonight on KOA eight fifty AM and ninety
four to one FM.
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