As we head into the combine for the 2020 NFL draft the Denver Broncos are sitting in a position where they need to find another running back to add to the roster. Phillip Lindsey is a dynamic back with elite speed, and an incredible will to compete. Described as a "smaller" back, Lindsey has the heart, and toughness to run between the tackles. Just because someone is willing doesn't necessarily mean they are able. For all of his effort Lindsey isn't an effective of a runner between the tackles as a back who is over 240lbs would be. That is simply physics. Currently the Broncos have a back in Royce Freeman who is a bigger back, but he hasn't shown the propensity to be an overly physical runner game in, and game out. This leaves the Broncos in a position where they need to look to add another running back that is a true bruiser. Despite the fact that Denver has a ton of cap room I would look to fill this position through the draft. After researching the running backs coming out this year I have narrowed it down to two guys who I think could step in and help the Broncos immediately.
The first player, who also happens to be my favorite out of the two is AJ Dillon from Boston College. Dillon is 6 feet tall and listed at 249lbs. Watching him on film the first thing you notice is that he isn't just a big back, this guy can flat out move. When Dillon gets that 249lb body going full speed with his shoulders headed down field it is a sight to be hold. He absolutely punishes opposing players who attempt to tackle him. Dillon has had a minimum of 225 carries in each of the last 3 seasons, and in 2019 Dillon carried the ball 318 times, for 1685 yards, and 14 touchdowns. In 2018 he has 227 carries, for 1100 yards, and 10 touchdowns, and in 2017 Dillon carried the ball 300 times, for 1589 yards, and 14 touchdowns. With all those impressive numbers there is a stat that often times get overlooked, and that is the amount of times he has fumbled the ball. Impressively, according to ESPN stats, Dillon hasn't fumbled the ball one time in the last 3 years. Here is an impressive highlight of AJ Dillon.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98Cfb-FC5wA
Another running back similar to Dillon in this years draft is a guy named Sewo Olonilua from TCU. He is 6'3, and 240lbs, and runs with a punishing style just like Dillon does. The reason I like Dillon more is simply he has far more impressive numbers. Dillon was used the Boston Colleges primary back, whereas Olonilua shared time with other players. This means there isn't as much info on him, but it also means that his body hasn't taken the abuse that a back like Dillon has. In 2017 Olonilua had 64 carries, for 330 yards and 7 touchdowns. In 2018 he had 135 carries for 635 yards, and 2 touchdowns, and in 2019 he had 134 carries for 537 yards, and 8 touchdowns. Olonilua is a better receiver out of the backfield than Dillon having caught 24 passes in 2019, but with his size his pass catching ability is nice, but most likely will not be used. If Denver is throwing to a running back is it is going to be Phillip Lindsey.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SIW332SOA8c&t=82s
Obviously Dillon will most likely go in the top 2-5 rounds, so if Denver really liked him they might have to get him earlier than they would have to get Olonilua. It is impossible to watch the above highlights and not get excited for the possibility of one of those players taking hand offs in Denver. Either one would be the perfect compliment to Phillip Lindsey, and would push Royce Freeman to either be the back we drafted him to be, or to move on. One thing is for sure, and that is last year Tennessee proved that having a big body back absolutely wears opposing teams down late in the game, and a player like this would be huge dividends for the Broncos, and Pat Schurmer's offense.
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