CBS Sports calls Denver Broncos backroom a ‘work in progress’

The Denver Broncos backroom needs to take a step forward for the 2024 NFL season because the unit wasn’t good enough in 2023. CBS Sports ranked all 32 running back situations in the NFL and placed each team in a tier. The Denver Broncos found themselves in the final tear as “Work in progress” with the Los Angeles Chargers, Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants:

“The Giants lost Saquon Barkley to the Eagles in free agency and brought in Devin Singletary to replace him. In addition to this downgrade at the starting position, New York doesn’t have much behind Singletary with Eric Gray, Tyrone Tracy Jr. and Gary Brightwell round out the position group There was a lot of fanfare for Javonte Williams before last season, but the former second-round pick averaged just 3.6 yards per carry in. 2023. Samaje Perine is a solid veteran to have in the backfield, but this position group doesn’t have much high-end upside.

– Tyler Sullivan

To be fair to the Broncos, Sullivan doesn’t even mention the young Broncos players in the backfield like Jaleel McLaughlin, Audric Estime and Blake Watson, the latter two of whom are rookies. One must wonder why these names were not mentioned. We hope these three players are here to raise the ceiling in Denver’s running back room.

Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine both feel like breeders at this point and nothing more. While I’m a little optimistic about the unit as a whole for 2024, it’s not proven until proven otherwise. Denver should continue to see solid offensive line play like they saw in 2023 (don’t let all the sacks Russell Wilson took fool you).

And maybe Javonte Williams can return to his pre-injury self in 2024. He’s heading into a contract year and I don’t see any argument for bringing him back right now. Williams’ play like he did in 2021 could really elevate this unit, and I haven’t even mentioned the potentials of McLaughlin, Estime and Watson, all of whom could earn a spot in the room for 2024.

This group could be a huge position to watch this offseason.