Broncos GM indicates they're interested in drafting another RB

Despite optimism that Javonte Williams will be ready for the regular season, the Broncos might add another running back.

"If there's a runner there — no matter what point of the draft — and he's the best player on our board, we'll take a running back," general manager George Paton said in a Thursday news conference.

In October, the 22-year-old RB suffered a season-ending ACL/LCL tear during a Week 4 loss against the Raiders. According to the Mayo Clinic, it takes athletes a year or more to fully heal from this injury.  

Per Paton, Williams's rehab is going smoothly, and he should return during the season. However, the Broncos should add more depth at RB, given the nature of the injury.

Denver signed Samaje Perine to a two-year deal. He's a dependable, solid back, but Denver needs one who can energize the offense with big-play ability.

The Broncos only have five picks in the draft and no first- or second-rounder. Nonetheless, the 2023 RB class is deep. "To say the 2023 NFL Draft RB class is loaded would be an understatement," wrote Pro Football Focus' Michael Renner.

Per Tankathon, the Broncos will select Texas A&M's Devon Achane with the No. 68 pick. He ran the third-fastest 40-yard dash (4.32 seconds) at the combine and was one of four RBs in the vaunted SEC to surpass 1,000 rushing yards (1,102 yards in 12 games).

According to longtime Denver sportswriter Mike Klis, the Broncos recently hosted Syracuse's Sean Tucker on a Top 30 visit. In three seasons, the 2021 second-team All-American rushed for 3,182 yards, third-most in Syracuse history. Per Draft Network, he's a fourth-round value.

In 2022, the Broncos finished 21st in rushing yards. If they select an RB during the draft on April 27-29, it will give Williams more time to recover and fortify the backfield.