Dobbins, 26, spent the 2024 season with the Broncos’ AFC West opponent Los Angeles Chargers, where he had a career-high 905 running yards and 9 touchdowns on 195 runs.
Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report expects that the Broncos will finally make the connection.
“Finally healthy and happy in Greg Roman’s offense, the 2020 second-round pick was a strong Comeback Player of the Year candidate with 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns for the Chargers in 2024,” Gagnon wrote on April 2, noting that he is available because, “Even at 26 running backs with spotty injury histories don’t wield much leverage on the open market.”
“Denver and Las Vegas are the top two clubs to monitor as Dobbins may remain in the AFC West. At least the Raiders signed Raheem Mostert, whereas the Broncos lost Javonte Williams and may be more desperate because they are closer to contender status.”
Dobbins added 153 yards on 32 receptions, totaling 1,058 yards from scrimmage on 227 touches, all of which were new career highs.
However, Dobbins struggled with injuries. He appeared in thirteen games in 2024. This is Dobbins’ highest total since his rookie season, when he appeared in 15 games. Dobbins is coming off a one-year, $1.6 million contract for $7.6 million in career earnings.
Broncos brass high on the 2025 NFL Draft class, low on free agents amidst J.K. Dobbins speculation.
The Broncos targeted their needs in free agency, signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Evan Engram.
They added Trent Sherfield as a core special teamer and re-signed numerous players. They even added a new QB3 (and potentially QB2) in Sam Ehlinger. However, they avoided the running back class.
Sean Payton, the Broncos head coach, explains why.
“We felt like it was a fairly lean year in terms of free agency at that position,” Payton told reporters on March 31. “But there is depth in the draft.”
Broncos general manager George Paton shared similar concerns.
“It’s a strong class, with varying flavors throughout the draft. I believe you can recover well from the second round until the sixth round. That’s how things are. “There are so many of them,” Paton told reporters on March 31. “You had the first and second down power back. You have the change-of-pace, the third-down, and the three-down backs, though there aren’t as many of them. But, no, this is a good class. We’ll grab a back in the draft.”
The Broncos also have youthful running backs in Audric Estime, Blake Watson, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie.
Payton is also looking forward to seeing that group, which includes three players who led the team in rushing in at least one game in 2024.
“Make no mistake about it, we’re wanting to see our group at home get these opportunities now,” Payton told the audience. “That competition, I think, will help.”
The Denver Broncos will host former Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson.
Dobbins’ chances are further hampered by the Broncos’ vigorous pursuit of the upcoming draft class, which includes a visit from former Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson.
Lance Zierlein of NFL.com pointed out that Johnson’s physical profile does not match his playing style.
“Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more delicate, preferring to win quickly and decisively. He completes his runs on time and on track, allowing blocks to execute their jobs. He isn’t excessively aggressive, but he possesses the height and strength to break tackles and pick up extra yards in the end. Zierlein stated, “He runs with below-average creativity and cut quickness, but has consistent linear play speed to pop chunk runs.”
“His three-down worth is reduced as a result of his troubles in pass protection. Johnson’s characteristics and running style make him a projectable fit in a two-back system with the potential to take on a larger role down the line.
Zierlein compared Johnson to Atlanta Falcons RB Tyler Allgeier, who had just under half of the carries as starter Bijan Robinson in 2024.
Dobbins might be the Broncos’ complement, but they have other choices.
Leave a Reply