Javonte Williams

Broncos head coach Sean Payton has long deployed running backs as a key part of his passing offense. That didn't change in 2024, with a quarter of early-down pass attempts going to Denver backs. That Jaleel McLaughlin and Javonte Williams proved to be among the least efficient pass-catching backs in the NFL last season has left the Broncos with a need to fill this offseason. They parted with Williams, who signed with Dallas. Payton seemed not to trust McLaughlin with the pass-catching role in 2024, and for good reason: McLaughlin ranked 54th out of 57 qualifying running backs in yards per route run. "It all creates major questions about how the Broncos will address a critical part of their offense," Kosmider said. "[The Broncos] have closely evaluated what experts call one of the deeper running back classes in recent memory. They allotted many of their allowed meetings with prospects at the combine to the position and will continue to monitor the group at pro days around the country this month. They'll meet with more running backs at their facility during top-30 visits." Denver holds the 20th pick in the first round of the 2025 draft.

The Cowboys went into the offseason talking about their desire to upgrade their running game and they've made several moves with that in mind.

The Cowboys went into the offseason talking about their desire to upgrade their running game and they've made several moves with that in mind.

The Cowboys signed RB Miles Sanders to a one-year deal. He joins Javonte Williams in a backfield that lost 2024 lead back Rico Dowdle in free agency. We're still fully expecting Dallas to add more RB help in the draft considering Sanders and Williams are coming off disappointing 2024 seasons.

Cut by the Panthers two days ago, Sanders has ended up finding a new home relatively quickly after a disastrous two-year stint in Charlotte. Overexposed outside the Eagles' elite offensive infrastructure, Sanders ended up outmatched by Chuba Hubbard. An ankle injury limited him to 11 2024 appearances, but he wasn't the starter, anyways. Amazingly, Sanders could be the best back currently on the Cowboys' roster, but fellow free agent addition Javonte Williams will have something to say about that. Six weeks shy of his 28th birthday, Sanders is an unlikely career revival candidate.