By Jordan
One Denver Broncos’ camp competition to keep an eye on is running back. C.J. Anderson will be the starter. Behind him is Ronnie Hillman. Hillman is the change–of-pace running back. After Hillman, there are three running backs going for one or two spots, depending on how many the Denver Broncos want to carry this season. The players vying for that spot are Juwan Thompson, Kapri Bibbs, and Devontae Booker.
Juwan Thompson has the most game experience out of the three. In 2014, his rookie year, he ran for 272 yards and a touchdown. Last season, Thompson touched the ball 18 times for 48 yards. Thompson knows the offense giving him the advantage heading into training camp.
Kapri Bibbs hasn’t seen significant playing time in a meaningful game. He has been on the Broncos’ practice squad the last two years. The only action he has seen came in preseason games. This is a make-it or break-it year for him. He must show the coaching staff that he knows and understands the playbook in order to make the team. One area where Bibbs could be useful in is special teams. He is fast and that speed could help him make tackles on the punt returns.
Devontae Booker was selected by the Broncos in the 4th round of this year’s NFL Draft. He played his college football at the University of Utah, rushing for 2,773 yards and 21 touchdowns. Booker averaged an impressive 5.0 yards per carry. He also added 622 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Booker seems like he has all the makings of an NFL running back because of his ability to run and catch the football.
Booker knows it is a tough task, but he is here to win a job. According to NBCsports.com, Booker said on May 22, “My message to Broncos fans is I want to be one of the best running backs to come out of Denver. I’m not there to carry pads. I’m there to take someone’s job.” That is a bold statement for a rookie running back.
This will be one of the most heated competitions. Bibbs and Thompson have the experience and need to shine in preseason games. Booker is the wildcard since the only game tape I have seen of him is from college and he looked decent. This is not college, though. In the end the odd man out could be Thompson or Bibbs. They need to make an impression early in camp and in preseason games.
Who do you think will win the job between Juwan Thompson, Kapri Bibbs, and Devontae Booker?
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