In the world of football, the running back position has always been considered a valuable commodity. However, in recent years, there has been a shift towards prioritizing other positions, such as quarterback and wide receiver. But Saquon Barkley’s impressive performance in the 2020 season has reminded NFL teams of the importance of a strong running game. As a result, more teams are now reinvesting in their backfield, hoping to replicate the success of the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl championship.
One team that has taken notice of this trend is the Denver Broncos. The Broncos have not had a dominant running back since the days of Terrell Davis, who helped lead them to back-to-back Super Bowl victories in the late 1990s. But with the recent emergence of talented rookie J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos are showing a renewed interest in the running back position.
In a recent interview, Broncos head coach Vic Fangio spoke about the team’s interest in Dobbins, saying, “We’ve been watching J.K. Dobbins closely and we are impressed with what we’ve seen. He has all the qualities of a top-tier running back and we believe he could be a game-changer for our team.”
Dobbins, who played college football at Ohio State, had a standout season in 2020, rushing for over 2,000 yards and 21 touchdowns. His explosive speed, agility, and vision on the field have caught the attention of many NFL teams, including the Broncos.
But it’s not just Dobbins’ impressive stats that have teams interested in him. It’s also his versatility and ability to contribute in the passing game. In his final season at Ohio State, Dobbins had 23 receptions for 247 yards and two touchdowns, showcasing his ability to be a threat both on the ground and through the air.
The Broncos are not the only team interested in Dobbins, as he has also caught the eye of New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton. Payton recently spoke about Dobbins, saying, “He’s a special player, and I think he can make an immediate impact in the NFL. I wouldn’t be surprised to see him drafted in the first round.”
Payton’s comments further solidify Dobbins’ potential as a top pick in the upcoming NFL draft. And with the Saints currently holding the 24th overall pick, they could be a potential landing spot for the talented running back.
But the Broncos are not letting Payton’s interest deter them from pursuing Dobbins. In fact, they are even considering trading up in the draft to secure him. This shows just how serious the team is about improving their running game and adding a dynamic player like Dobbins to their roster.
The Broncos’ interest in Dobbins is a clear indication of the value that teams are placing on the running back position once again. With the success of teams like the Eagles, who had a strong running game led by Jay Ajayi, LeGarrette Blount, and Corey Clement, it’s no surprise that other teams are looking to replicate that formula.
In today’s NFL, where the passing game is often prioritized, having a dominant running back can give a team a significant advantage. A strong running game not only helps control the clock and wear down the opposing defense, but it also opens up opportunities for the passing game.
The Broncos’ interest in J.K. Dobbins is a clear sign that they are ready to invest in their backfield and build a well-rounded team. With a talented quarterback in Drew Lock and a solid receiving corps, adding a player like Dobbins could be the missing piece to their offense.
In conclusion, Saquon Barkley’s impressive performance in the 2020 season has reminded NFL teams of the value of a strong running game. The Denver Broncos, who have not had a dominant running back in years, are now showing a renewed interest in the position. With their eye on talented rookie J.K. Dobbins, the Broncos are ready to reinvest in their backfield and make a run for the Super Bowl. And with the support of head coach Vic Fangio and the potential of a trade up in the draft, Dobbins could soon be donning the orange and blue and making a name for himself in the NFL.
