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Broncos Get Non-Jeanty Running Back in New Mock Draft

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Charlie Baduini | Last updated Apr 23, 2025 2:45 PM ET

We are less than 48 hours from the 2025 NFL Draft, and rumors about teams zeroing in on selections are swirling.

Mock drafts in the week leading up to the draft are less about fit and higher-ranked prospects and more about what reporters are hearing from the teams they cover.

The Athletic released their annual NFL beat writer mock, where they have all 32 reporters make the first-round pick for the respective teams they cover.

Nick Kosmider, who covers the Denver Broncos, has them selecting North Carolina running back Omarion Hampton.

“Ultimately, the selection of Hampton provides an immediate and significant upgrade to a Broncos backfield that lacked firepower last season. Adding a running back who rushed for more than 3,000 yards across the past two seasons should help quarterback Bo Nix take a big leap in Year 2 after a promising rookie season in which he helped lead the Broncos to the playoffs for the first time in nine years.”

The Broncos have been projected to land a new running back since the start of the offseason, when head coach Sean Payton proclaimed he was looking for a “joker.” Also known as a jack-of-all-trades offensive player.

Hampton fits that mold, as his senior season saw him compile nearly 2000 scrimmage yards with 1660 on the ground and 373 in the air on 38 receptions.

With last year’s starting back, Javonte Williams, now on the Dallas Cowboys, it is the only major hole on Denver’s talented roster. Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime are nice change-of-pace runners, but what this offense is looking for is a lead back who will carry the main load and be a threat in the passing game out of the backfield.

With no clear starter at running back on the depth chart, if Hampton’s name is on the board when the Broncos are on the clock, they should be running that card in to get him to Denver.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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