A Draft Prospect The Broncos Should Pursue!

     Going over the list of offseason needs for the Broncos to address, and one of them is a finding a third running back to play with Phil Lindsey, and Royce Freeman. Last season Denver used DeVontae Booker as their 3rd running back, and predominantly used him as a receiving option on 3rd downs. Denver didn't use him much, but the Broncos need to find a guy who can play running back, but also can run routes from the wide receiver position. Before the season last year Denver tried to address this need with signing Theo Riddick, but Riddick never got healthy enough to see the field in 2019. Does Denver look to bring back Riddick? Sign another free agent running back who fits the profile? Or target someone in the draft? As luck would have it there is a guy in this years draft that fits the profile for what Denver needs, and his name is Antonio Gibson, who is a hybrid running back/wide receiver from the University of Memphis. 

     To say Gibson is not like other guys who played his position would be an understatement. At 6'2 and 220lbs he has the size to play, and excel at running back. The interesting thing about Gibson that jumps off the screen at you when you watch his film is that he is actually a wide receiver who plays running back very well! Usually for those types of players they are typically running backs who can play wide receiver, but in Gibson's case it is the other way around. 

     Gibsons is not a player I think the Broncos should target before the 4th round. In 2019 Gibson had 38 receptions in 14 games for for 735 yards, and 8 touchdowns. His rushing statistics show he was used as a running back on average of just under 3 times per game, as he had 33 carries for for 369 yards and 4 touchdowns. He also returned punts, and kicks for Memphis, and also had a touchdown doing that in 2019. With a total of 13 touchdowns in 2019 I think it is safe to say Gibson knows how to get in the end zone. 

     While a player with his ability to score is always nice to have, I think the most impressive thing about him is the athletic ability he has been able to show, and put on film. Whether it be at running back, wide receiver, or as a returner, Gibson possesses the quickness, speed, and has the size to be a threat to score every time he touches the ball. This is exactly the type of player the Broncos need. Even though Gibson is listed as a wide receiver, I think he would make the team as a running back/returner. However, just because he is listed as a running back, I think he could be used as the teams 4th wide receiver as well. This would would save Denver a couple roster spots, and finally give them a player with the size, and speed to score on punt, and kick returns. If Gibson is there in the 4th round or later in this years draft I think Denver should look to draft him, and use his unique abilities in the mile high city!