Top Running Back Prospects the Broncos Should Target in the 2025 NFL Draft

 By: Carson Childs

The Denver Broncos will look to bolster their backfield in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. Denver holds the 20th overall pick, and have six picks following. With an extremely deep class from the running back position, Denver has plenty of options with who they select, as well as when they select their prospect. In this article, we will dive into the most realistic running back prospects the Broncos could take in the draft and when they would take them.


1. Omarion Hampton, North Carolina, Round 1, Pick 20


Omarion Hampton is a powerful runner with excellent size and speed. At 22 years old, Hampton stands six feet tall and is listed at 221 pounds. In the 2024 season with UNC, he showed why he will be a round one pick, running for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns, averaging 5.9 yards per carry. His powerful downhill running style and ability to break tackles makes him a valuable asset for any NFL team looking to strengthen their backfield.

Denver has a familiar history with big runners from UNC, as they recently just moved on from former second round pick, Javonte Williams. Although Williams showed promise in his first year, he could not stay healthy for the team, leading them to move on from the back.

Sean Payton is known for his innovative offensive strategies and ability to maximize the talents of his players. If Denver selects Hampton, look for Payton to use him in early-down, and short-yardage situations because of his downhill running style. Hampton is also a versatile player, which Sean Payton loves. Hampton has an ability to catch passes out of the backfield and go, so it is likely Payton would use him in a lot of screening situations.


2. TreVeyon Henderson, Ohio State, Round 2, Pick 51


TreVeyon Henderson was a huge piece in Ohio State's National Championship run last season, and is one of the most versatile backs in this draft. The 22 year old back rushed for 1,016 yards and 10 touchdowns, with an impressive 7.1 yard average. Along with his impressive stats from the 2024 season, Henderson also ran an impressive 4.43 second 40-yard dash during the combine. Henderson's ability to make defenders miss and turn short gains into big plays would add a much-needed spark to the Broncos' ground game. His 7.1 yards per carry demonstrates his consistency and efficiency in the run game.

Along with Henderson's ability to be a consistent primary ball carrier, he was also a big receiving threat for the Buckeyes last year. He had 27 receptions for 284 yards in the 2024 season. He has proven his capability as a receiver out of the backfield, and Payton could design screen passes and wheel routes to exploit mismatches against linebackers, utilizing Henderson's immense speed. Henderson was also utilized in the red zone consistently for the Buckeyes in the 2024 season. Denver struggled with putting the ball in the end zone within the redzone, so Henderson would only help Denver in improving their red zone offense.

Selecting Henderson in the second round would provide excellent value for the Broncos. Henderson could be a complete game-changer, offering a blend of explosiveness and versatility that would elevate their offense to new heights.


3. Cam Skattebo, Arizona State, Round 3, Pick 85


Cam Skattebo is a standout back from ASU who ran for 1,711 yards for 21 touchdowns and a 5.8 average. Skattebo was known for his dominant and violent running style, running over any defenders that dare to stand in his way. Not only has he extremely dominant in the run game, but he also caught 45 balls for 605 yards and 3 touchdowns in the receiving game. His incredible senior year earned him fifth place in Heisman Trophy voting. 

Skattebo's ability to contribute both as a runner and receiver would allow Sean Payton to use him in various roles. Not only would he be efficient in goal line and red zone opportunities, but his strength and physicality make him to be an efficient blocking back as well. Utilizing him as a lead blocker in certain formations could help open up lanes for other backs as well as protecting Bo Nix. 

Skattebo has been projected in mock drafts anywhere from the 3rd round to the 6th round, so it will be interesting to see where he falls in this draft. If Skattebo falls past the third, look for Denver to be keeping an eye on the back and potentially even trade-up for the back.

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