Editor’s note: Second of a series of NFL draft previews as it relates to the Broncos. Monday: Quarterbacks. Today: Running backs.

Broncos’ in-house offseason moves: Signed Samaje Prine (two years, $7.5 million) and Tony Jones Jr. (one year).

Under contract: Javonte Williams (two years), Perine (two years), Jones Jr. (one year), Tyler Badie (one year), Damarea Crockett (one year), Tyreik McAllister (one year).

Need scale (1-10): 6. The Broncos have been active in free agency, but the roster numbers are still a bit deceiving. Williams (knee) is no sure bet to be back by Week 1. Badie flashed late in the year, but there aren’t many sure bets beyond Perine. Starting-caliber players can be found on Day 3 at running back, and the Broncos would do well to find one in 2023 or, at the latest, 2024.

Top Five

1. Bijan Robinson, Texas: Universally regarded among the most talented players in the draft and almost a sure bet to be the first back off the board. He’s been a highlight reel machine since he arrived at Texas and it will be a surprise if he’s not an immediate impact player in the NFL.

2. Jahmyr Gibbs, Alabama: Ripped off a 4.36-second 40-yard dash at the Combine and logged 103 catches over three collegiate seasons. Alvin Kamara-like, but Denver would have to move way up from No. 67 to get him in Sean Payton’s hands.

3. Devon Achane, Texas A&M: Another versatile playmaker who ran 4.32 in the 40 – best among running backs. Has value in the passing game (60 catches over the past two seasons) and as a potential return man. He and the next two could potentially be available at the start of Day 3.

4. Zach Charbonnet, UCLA: Logged 2,496 yards (6.3 per carry) in two years as UCLA’s starter and added 61 catches for good measure. Bigger back at 6-0, 214 and ran 4.53 seconds at the Combine.

5. Tyjae Spears, Tulane: The 2022 AAC offensive player of the year, Spears averaged 6.9 yards per carry and logged 21 total touchdowns for the Green Wave. In two years starting produced 2,845 total yards. Ran 4.52 seconds at the Combine at 5-10, 201 pounds.

Broncos’ Options

The Broncos only have five draft picks and don’t get to their first pair until the top of the third round. A look at five possibilities for Denver in the draft. 

1. Roschon Johnson, Texas: Averaged 5.6 per carry for his college career, mostly as a complementary back to Robinson. At 6-foot, 219 pounds, moved from quarterback before his freshman season and became a back that does some of everything.

2. Eric Gray, Oklahoma: A big senior season (1,366 yards, 6.4 per, 11 touchdowns) helped the draft stock of the former blue-chip recruit out of Memphis. Caught 99 passes in his college career. Checked in at 5-10, 207 at the Combine.

3. DeWayne McBride, UAB: Averaged 7.4 yards per carry for the Sun Belt school and finished 2022 with 1,713 yards and 19 scores. Only caught five passes in his collegiate career, so if the Broncos decide he can do that, he could present good Day 3 value. Measured 5-10, 209 at the Combine, but hasn’t worked out in the pre-draft process due to a hamstring injury.

4. Sean Tucker, Syracuse: A Broncos top-30 visitor, likely in part due to health questions. Didn’t participate in the NFL Combine or Syracuse’s pro day. If the health checks out, an interesting option given his 3,182 career rushing yards (1,496 at 6.1 per in 2021) and 56 catches over the past two seasons.

5. Kenny McIntosh, Georgia: More than half of his career carries came in 2022, his lone season starting. Averaged 5.6 per carry and caught 43 passes for 505 yards. Measured 6-0 and 204 pounds, ran 4.62 seconds in the 40-yard dash at the Combine.

Wednesday: Wide receivers

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