The Veteran and Projected Starter

There are several reasons why Dobbins should be the starter. Dobbins’ experience and efficiency set him apart from the rest of the backs, and give him an advantage to win the starting job. He brings toughness in the red zone, serves as a viable decoy on play-action passes, and is reliable running inside zone concepts. The five-year veteran has also made an impact in the locker room, helping shift the culture in the Mile High City. His impact on the game goes beyond the box score, and the team plays with more confidence when he’s on the field.

Through Week 10, Dobbins was on pace to surpass 1,300 rushing yards. Once he went on IR, Harvey assumed the starting role, but wasn’t able to sustain the team’s rushing efficiency as Dobbins did, and they desperately missed having that “tone setter” in the backfield.

The Explosive Upside Option

After a stellar rookie campaign, Harvey will look to capitalize on his opportunities. He is the front-runner to become the lead backup and should get his fair share of touches. His ability to catch passes out of the backfield makes him a perfect fit in Payton’s system. He is a home run threat whenever he has the football, and he is used similarly to the way Payton utilized Alvin Kamara in New Orleans. Harvey led all rookie RBs in receiving yards and should continue to be an outlet for QB Bo Nix. The shifty playmaker must improve his pass protection in order to be on the field during critical 3rd downs.

The Change-of-Pace-Weapon

With limited touches, McLaughlin is capable of making his presence felt. He has been reliable in key spots and has delivered whenever his number is called. Small in stature at 5’7, and 187 pounds, the speedy running back could see more action, especially on 3rd downs and play-action passes. McLaughlin only caught four passes last season, but may have a bigger role depending on how Payton adjusts the rotation. During his rookie year, he caught 31 passes for 160 yards, and could still become a dangerous weapon on screen plays.

The Insurance Policy

The selection of Jonah Coleman gives the team a back with a skill set unlike any other on their roster. As a player who looks for contact with a bruising running style, the former First-Team All-American brings a high level of physicality, which is what they missed after Dobbins was lost for the year.

Coleman is expected to be used early on, but Payton could keep his workload to a minimum. He is also an insurance policy in the event one of the other running backs gets hurt. Running backs usually see the field right away as rookies, and the Broncos could use him in goal-line situations and could also implement him as an extra blocker, something in which he excels.

The organization’s purpose for Coleman should be getting him comfortable in his role and increasing his workload as the season progresses. He may be the smartest investment the Broncos have made this offseason, and his long-term outlook is promising.