One question, Broncos general manager George Paton: What happens if Samaje Perine gets hurt?
“Sometimes, (a position) just doesn’t fall (to you),” Paton replied when I asked about the Broncos’ running back quandary during the team’s post-draft news conference early Saturday night at Dove Valley.
“You may want to address a certain position (and it) just doesn’t fall your way. So you address another position.”
Playmaking guys? Check. Depth guys? Check. Character guys? Check. High-IQ guys? Check. Secondary help? Check. Offensive line? Check. Targets for Russ? Check.
Guys taking handoffs from Russ? Not so much.
Timeout for trivia: Over the last six seasons, the Broncos have managed to feature their designated RB1 in 16 games during just three campaigns (’21, ’19 and ’17), so maybe they’re due for a run of good karma in odd calendar years.
With only five draft picks to play with, tailback wasn’t addressed until college free agency. Which is fine and completely understandable. To a point.
But here’s the rub: Buzz around the building Saturday was that Broncos Country’s favorite battering ram, Javonte Williams, is possibly a Week 3 or Week 4 play this fall, at the earliest, after rehabbing a shredded knee. The veteran Perine, at 34, is an excellent 1a/1b type, having never touched the ball more than 197 times over his first six seasons in the league.
The man needs a partner. Preferably, one with more upside than, say, Tony Jones Jr. or Damarea Crockett.
“I think we both talked about, when this started, that we (were) going try to take the best value, the best grade that we have on (a prospect), regardless of needs,” Paton said. “And I feel like we did that throughout the draft, we stayed true (to that).”
What ’23 lacked in bodies, it more than made up for in quality. Wideout Marvin Mims Jr. can line up anywhere — like a certain Broncos receiver whose last name rhymes with “duty.” And he offers a young room some depth in case someone gets hurt or needs to be moved — like a certain Broncos receiver whose last name rhymes with “mutton.”
Linebacker Drew Sanders, defensive back Riley Moss and safety JL Skinner come with the reps of fast, smart, aggressive playmakers. Alex Forsyth, the last kid over the line, gives Lloyd Cushenberry a long overdue push at center.
“We heard it a million times (from teams), ‘We got our guys today,’” coach Sean Payton cracked. “Half of them are lying. But I would say, and I don’t want to speak for George, but man, I was excited.”
Yet half a loaf still leaves a lot of mouths to feed, yet. Particularly along the defensive line and at tailback.
Among NFL.com’s top 20 prospective ball-carriers, Minnesota Gopher Mohamed Ibrahim (No. 10), whom the pre-Deion CU Buffs couldn’t lay a glove on six months ago (202 rushing yards, three scores), was still on the board when the Broncos finished up with Forsyth at pick 257. As was Syracuse’s Sean Tucker (No. 14), who logged 2,556 rushing yards and 27 total scores over the previous two autumns for the Orange.
“It doesn’t end. We’re going to keep looking for certain positions,” Paton continued. “We’re always looking, that’s part of what you do. And when you’re in my seat, you’re always looking to help your football team.”
All well and good, but if half the teams are lying this weekend, a wise-apple scribe said to Payton after he got off the stage, which half are you guys?
“We’re not lying,” the new Broncos coach replied. He then allowed himself half a smirk before bounding out the door. “That’s not to say that we won’t sometimes.”
