Could the Denver Broncos draft an explosive running back to support quarterback Bo Nix and make the offense less one-dimensional in 2025?
Jaleel McLaughlin and Audric Estime top the depth chart, but neither is a lock to be the starter. The Broncos seem poised to add a talented running back at some point in the upcoming NFL Draft — perhaps using the No. 20 pick to fill that void.
Broncos Predicted To Take North Carolina RB Omarion Hampton
The Broncos went 10-7 last season and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015. While they lost to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild-Card Round, it was widely seen as a successful season.
Additionally, Denver appears to have found its franchise quarterback in Bo Nix, and the team has fully embraced head coach Sean Payton’s system.
One area where the Broncos could use an upgrade is at running back. They totaled 1,908 rushing yards last season, with Nix accounting for 430 of them. Leading rusher Javonte Williams (513 yards) left for Dallas in free agency, leaving McLaughlin and Estime to compete for the starting job.
With a clear need for a playmaker in the backfield, PFSN’s Oli Hodgkinson has the Broncos selecting North Carolina standout Omarion Hampton at No. 20.
Hodgkinson wrote:
“When he was in college, Bo Nix was always at his best when he had a ground game that opened up the passing game for him. Right now, the Denver Broncos don’t possess a defense-obliterating weapon in the backfield. As such, they shouldn’t rule out selecting a Round 1 running back, even in a deep class.
“Omarion Hampton is the best of the rest after Boise State’s Jeanty and is just as capable of doing the dirty work between the tackles as he is making explosive plays.”
Omarion Hampton:
#2 best RB *in the last DECADE* in YPC on runs when hit behind the line
#2 in highest percentage of team’s entire touches (44%)
#2 in highest % of team’s entire receptions (17%)
96th percentile in explosion score in jumping drills
profile of a true workhorse… pic.twitter.com/JgfZvmtGBZ
— Warren Sharp (@SharpFootball) March 13, 2025
Hampton is widely viewed as the second-best running back in this year’s draft class, trailing only Boise State’s Ashton Jeanty. Hampton rushed for 1,660 yards and 15 touchdowns last season for the Tar Heels, totaling 4,200 all-purpose yards and 40 total touchdowns over three seasons (38 games).
Broncos Predicted to Draft Ohio State WR Emeka Egbuka
Running back isn’t the only position of need in Denver. With Nix locked in as the starter at quarterback — and as the face of the franchise — the Broncos may also want to add a top-tier wide receiver to grow alongside him.
Emeka Egbuka is one of the best to come from Ohio State👏 pic.twitter.com/8A3TeMEU1R
— PFF College (@PFF_College) March 18, 2025
PFSN’s Marco Enriquez predicts that Ohio State standout Emeka Egbuka will go to Denver at No. 20, rather than Hampton, who is projected to land in Pittsburgh at No. 21.
Enriquez wrote:
“The Broncos need weapons around Bo Nix. Courtland Sutton is not getting any younger, and even with Marvin Mims Jr.’s late-season emergence, the opportunity to add a talent like Egbuka is too good to pass on.
“Egbuka provides reliable hands and route-running skills out of the slot while fitting perfectly alongside Sutton. Egbuka set the record for career receptions at Ohio State and was a consistent difference-maker for the Buckeyes.”
