Renck vs. Keeler: If Omarion Hampton isn’t available in NFL draft, which running back fits Broncos best?

Renck: There is a chance the Broncos’ running back board goes from The Hamptons to the Hampton Inn. Then what? North Carolina’s Omarion Hampton profiles as the best fit for Denver with the 20th overall pick. He is a three-down back with size, strength and burst. Hampton makes the most sense. But the NFL draft is well-versed in chaos. So, with the Broncos hunkered down in meetings, shades drawn, it is time to acknowledge that a Plan B is necessary at running back. If Hampton goes earlier in the first round, who should the Broncos take?

Keeler: Hey, did you know that Sean Payton drafted Alvin Kamara once? And that he “found” Kamara in the third round? It’s almost as if Payton never talks about it! I kid, I kid. But for this exercise, The Kamara Experience in New Orleans is instructive. That’s because, based on AK’s usage, the law firm of Payton & Paton is probably looking for a plug-and-play, three-down guy. From 2018-2021, Kamara appeared on 66%, 69%, 65% and 76% of the Saints’ offensive snaps under Payton. Javonte Williams, by comparison, checked in at 49% in ’23 and 52% in ’24. If I can’t have Ashton Jeanty for that role (and I can’t), and you say I can’t have Omarion, then give me Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson.

Renck: When Dallan Hayden arrived in Boulder last summer, he might have foreshadowed his replacement’s road to Denver. Hayden transferred from Ohio State to CU when Ole Miss star Quinshon Judkins landed on the Buckeyes. Judkins rushed for 1,000 yards at Ohio State despite sharing carries with Henderson. Judkins is built like Hampton, weighing 221 pounds, and has good speed. He will require development, but this is where Sean Payton’s coaching comes in. Judkins has been compared to Joe Mixon. You wouldn’t love that value with the 51st pick in the second round?

Keeler: You would, but there are enough “developmental” dudes in that room as it is right now. The Broncos ranked 25th out of 32 teams last season in average rush yards gained after contact (1.7), according to Pro-Football-Reference.com’s tracking. They were 24th in broken tackles by rushers (20) and 26th in rush attempts per broken tackle (one every 23.1 carries). That’s a very long way of saying I’d love to see Henderson in orange and blue. He’s more Aaron Jones than Jeanty at this stage in his career, but you’re telling me Sean couldn’t make that work?

Renck: Henderson is appealing. But he is slightly undersized and has a history of injuries. Judkins can stay on the field. For those barking about Cam Skattebo, he deserves a look, but not in the first few rounds. Therein lies the issue. If the Broncos don’t get Hampton, Judkins or Henderson — Iowa’s Kaleb Johnson doesn’t project well as a receiver or in pass protection — then they will look to unearth a gem like Payton found with Kamara later in the draft. Ollie Gordon, Devin Neal and DJ Giddens will all be available on Day 3. But the Broncos have cornered the market on complementary backs with Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Audric Estime.

Keeler: Giddens was the best Big 12 back I saw in person last fall, and Neal wasn’t that far behind. I’m still trying to figure out what happened to Gordon and the Pokes — that stinker of a ’24 season scared me off the Ollie Train. And you’re right about Johnson. Kirk Ferentz may be a Tackle Whisperer, but his stone-age approach with Hawkeye tailbacks doesn’t help them at the next level. If the stars align, I’d be tempted to take a flyer late on Day 2 or early in Day 3 on Skattebo. Why? He doesn’t do anything brilliantly, but he does some unconventional things decently enough — including throwing the ball. If Cam isn’t emblematic of the kind of “Joker” Payton could have fun with, I don’t know who is.

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