The Denver Broncos are set to bring back the 1-2 punch of J.K. Dobbins and RJ Harvey for their 2026 season. Additionally, they brought back both Jaleel McLaughlin and Tyler Badie on one-year deals to compete for a roster spot during training camp this summer. Nevertheless, I expect the Broncos to try and find themselves another back in the 2026 NFL Draft.
When Dobbins went down last season, Denver’s rushing productivity and efficiency spiraled. They had no effective inside runner and struggled in short
yardage situations. In the event Dobbins were to miss any time next year, it’s imperative the franchise has another back capable of replacing his skillset in the offense.
One prospect I believe is a good fit for the Broncos is Penn State standout Kaytron Allen. The Nittany Lions’ all-time leading rusher, Allen had an impressive senior season with 1,303 rushing yards and 15 touchdowns. A tough and decisive runner, his physicality and ability to generate yards after contact would be a welcomed addition to Denver’s offense.
Let’s take a deeper dive into Allen, his strengths and weaknesses, and when the Broncos should consider selecting him in April.
Player Profile: Kaytron Allen — Running Back — Penn State
Height: 5’11” | Weight: 216 pounds | Arm Length: 29-1/2” | Hand Size: 9-1/2” | Age: 23 Years Old
No athletic drill testing at the NFL Combine or Penn State’s Pro Day.
Statistics at Penn State: 54 games played. 769 carries, 4,180 yards, 5.4 YPC average, 39 touchdowns. Added 70 receptions for 490 yards and 4 touchdowns.
Film Room & Highlights
Hart’s Scouting Report
Positives:
- Desired size, strength, and contact balance to be an effective early down runner in the NFL
- Highly productive runner who holds the Penn State record books in numerous rushing categories
- Standout senior campaign sporting a 6.2 yard per carry average and 15 rushing touchdowns
- Sound runner with good patience and decisiveness that may boast the best vision of any back in this draft
- Experienced and efficient with both zone and gap principles
- Tough to bring down on initial contact and effective in short yardage and goal line situations
- Averaged over 3.8 yards per carry after contact in ‘25 despite facing an extra defender in the box on nearly 30-percent of his carries
- Ball security is not an issue with only two fumbles the past two seasons on over 400 total carries
- Durable and dependable despite high carry load
Negatives:
- Not an explosive athlete and doesn’t have the getaway speed to break off long runs
- Won’t be a difference maker as a receiver out of the backfield in the NFL
- Less than desirable creativity and wiggle to make defenders miss in open space
- A little more wear and tear on his tires compared to others in this class
- Like most all backs, Allen has room for improvement when it comes to pass protection
Hart’s Projection: Top 100 Selection (Late Day 2, Day 3 Value)
Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Allen
When it comes to drafting a running back in the 2026 NFL Draft, I believe it’s a question of when and not if for Denver. We’ve covered a handful of prospects thus far, with Jonah Coleman and Mike Washington Jr. having their fair share of fans across Broncos Country. However, if the Broncos would want either of them, it’s likely they would have to use their top selection in the second round to acquire them.
I’m not so sure drafting a running back with their top pick is the best draft strategy for Denver. I’d prefer they use that selection elsewhere. Actually, a trade down from pick 62 to acquire some extra selections to help with rounding out the roster would be wise. If that ends up being a route they go, Allen is someone I believe who would be worth considering late on Day 2 or early on Day 3.
His limitations as a receiver are evident and he isn’t an explosive athlete, but what he excels at are things the Broncos need to have in their room. Overall, Allen’s skillset is a nice complement to Harvey and believe they would be a quality duo for the franchise. In my opinion, the Penn State standout will come somewhere off the board late in the third round or early in the fourth round. I’d be very happy if the Broncos were able to select him somewhere in that area to bolster their rushing attack for ‘26 and beyond.
