Denver Broncos’ Full Position Breakdown and Depth Chart Analysis at Running Back

The Denver Broncos are going to have a different look on offense this year, but it’s one that is going to be familiar to Broncos fans. Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak didn’t get to fully implement his offense last year with quarterback Peyton Manning running the show. Instead, the Broncos used a hybrid system that was part Kubiak and part Manning.

This year, the real Kubiak system will be in place for the Broncos.

Earlier this offseason, the Broncos decided to match the Miami Dolphins’ offer for restricted-free-agent running back C.J. Anderson. He stays with the team with a larger bank account and a larger role than ever before.

Anderson has intriguing upside as the team’s starter. After two years of being among the league’s leaders in all-purpose yards over the final two months of the regular season, Anderson needs to show that he can produce for a full season.

Behind Anderson, the Broncos have an interesting competition at the position. There is a mixture of veterans, practice-squad-level players and one talented rookie all vying to create a pecking order of backup running backs.

Here is the full position breakdown and depth chart analysis of the running backs on the Broncos roster.

Starter: C.J. Anderson

The Broncos picked up Anderson as an undrafted free agent after the 2013 NFL draft. This was the same draft where they selected Wisconsin running back Montee Ball in the second round. There were 22 backs selected in that draft class, and that’s the reason why Anderson wears the No. 22 for the Broncos. While Ball is out of the league, Anderson is a Super Bowl champion.

Anderson is a powerful back who can lead the way for the Broncos. He finished 2015 ranked fourth in rush-yards-after-contact average (2.22 yards). He doesn’t need a ton of space to work with, and it doesn’t take Anderson long to build up power between the tackles.

Even though he’s not known for his speed, Anderson is more agile than some think. He’s capable of making defenders miss in tight quarters and can change speed quickly without losing much speed. He led the NFL in rushing yards during the postseason, and in each playoff game Anderson had a carry of 30 yards or more.

This year in the true Kubiak system, Anderson could have sustained success as the team’s starter. Anderson smiled as he said, “This system is perfect for me.”

He’s excited to stay in Denver, and Anderson is more than ready to prove the doubters wrong. Anderson has heard people proclaim he can’t produce for a whole season, and he’s heard national media members and NFL analysts proclaim he’s not even the best back on the roster.

The naysayers only energize the veteran back. He’s shown up to OTAs this offseason in the best shape of his life. Gone are the days of him “ramping up” toward the regular season, Anderson is ready to go right now.

The Broncos worked diligently to upgrade their offensive line this offseason. Adding offensive tackles Russell Okung and Donald Stephenson should do just that. With a better blocking scheme up front and a quarterback that is able to draw away the back-side defender, Anderson should see better rushing lanes and clear cutback lanes in front of him in 2016.

Primary Backup: Devontae Booker

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