This might be an unlucky flip of occasions for Williams, who was a second-round decide solely three years in the past. The North Carolina product by no means actually bought an opportunity to guide the backfield in Denver. He did high 1,200 yards from scrimmage as a rookie, however he nonetheless break up most of his reps that season with veteran Melvin Gordon. Then, his sophomore season was restricted to solely 4 video games because of a torn ACL, LCL and posterolateral nook.
To Williams’ credit score, he managed to return and begin 13 of his 16 appearances in 2023. Nonetheless, he averaged solely 3.6 yards on his 217 carries, and whereas he completed the 12 months with 47 receptions, that resulted in solely 228 yards. Whereas that drop in manufacturing might simply be attributed to his restoration from a devastating knee damage, the Broncos will certainly use coaching camp and preseason to judge the working again forward of the 2024 marketing campaign. For what it’s value, Renck noticed that Williams “appeared larger and stronger” through the spring.
Perine was productive throughout his first season in Denver, ending with a career-high 50 receptions and 693 yards from scrimmage. Heading into his age-29 season, Perine is probably the most veteran member of the Broncos RB corps, and with rookie Bo Nix below middle, the Broncos might lean on the previous fourth-round decide (particularly within the passing recreation). Nonetheless, as Renck notes, Williams has additionally proved to be a succesful pass-catcher, so the offense wouldn’t be utterly misplaced with out Perine.
Renck believes rookie fifth-round decide Audric Estime will earn one of many spots on the depth chart. The Notre Dame product had a breakout marketing campaign in 2023, ending the 12 months with 1,341 speeding yards and 18 touchdowns. The rookie suffered a knee damage throughout OTAs however is predicted to be a full participant at coaching camp.
The staff can also be anticipated to hold on to Jaleel McLaughlin. The 2023 UDFA had a productive rookie season in Denver, ending with 570 yards from scrimmage. He additionally notably hauled in 31 of his 36 targets, maybe making him an choice on third downs.
