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After selecting running back RJ Harvey in the second round of the NFL draft last week, the Denver Broncos currently have five running backs -- Harvey, Audric Estime, Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson -- on their 90-man offseason roster.
More could join that list depending on how rookie minicamp goes next week (Denver has invited three tryout running backs, including ex-Cincinnati Bengal Chris Evans).
So, how will the running backs already on the roster land on the depth chart?
"[W]hen we’re talking about some of our younger players, [during] Year 1 they get exposed to what we’re doing," coach Sean Payton said after the draft. "We’ll see growth in Year 2. We’re excited to see that with these guys, and that’s whether it’s Blake [Watson], Audric, Tyler Badie… Meaning I think a lot of times there’s this perception, ‘Oh a player was drafted.’ This list can vary. Now we understand there’s a need element, and we always pay attention to that, but we look forward to seeing their development just like we look forward to seeing the young receivers develop, and the same way in the secondary if we’re looking at [Kris] Abrams-Draine, I could go on and on.
"So this is one part of making your team better. Then you create that high-level competition. Ultimately — and these guys will hear this from me in two weeks in the team meeting along with the rest of the rookie class — we’re going to go by what we see. How you arrived here — this is a process. We’re trying to secure in order the best way to get the most for our draft. But once they’re here, it’s up to them to earn their stripes.”
While Harvey is the obvious frontrunner to start in 2025, Payton isn't handing out any titles at this point in the offseason. Estime, McLaughlin, Badie and Watson will all get to compete for snaps this summer, and Payton and Co. will choose the best backs among them. Harvey and his new backfield teammates will be among the top stories to watch at training camp.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Sean Payton comments on running back situation
Continue reading...
More could join that list depending on how rookie minicamp goes next week (Denver has invited three tryout running backs, including ex-Cincinnati Bengal Chris Evans).
So, how will the running backs already on the roster land on the depth chart?
"[W]hen we’re talking about some of our younger players, [during] Year 1 they get exposed to what we’re doing," coach Sean Payton said after the draft. "We’ll see growth in Year 2. We’re excited to see that with these guys, and that’s whether it’s Blake [Watson], Audric, Tyler Badie… Meaning I think a lot of times there’s this perception, ‘Oh a player was drafted.’ This list can vary. Now we understand there’s a need element, and we always pay attention to that, but we look forward to seeing their development just like we look forward to seeing the young receivers develop, and the same way in the secondary if we’re looking at [Kris] Abrams-Draine, I could go on and on.
"So this is one part of making your team better. Then you create that high-level competition. Ultimately — and these guys will hear this from me in two weeks in the team meeting along with the rest of the rookie class — we’re going to go by what we see. How you arrived here — this is a process. We’re trying to secure in order the best way to get the most for our draft. But once they’re here, it’s up to them to earn their stripes.”
While Harvey is the obvious frontrunner to start in 2025, Payton isn't handing out any titles at this point in the offseason. Estime, McLaughlin, Badie and Watson will all get to compete for snaps this summer, and Payton and Co. will choose the best backs among them. Harvey and his new backfield teammates will be among the top stories to watch at training camp.
Related: These 25 celebrities are Broncos fans.
This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: Sean Payton comments on running back situation
Continue reading...
