As the 6-2 Broncos are looking closer to the contending team we hoped for, a lot of fans are hoping for the team to be active before Tuesday’s trade deadline.
And most are looking for the team to add a running back.
For the48% hoping for another running back, there is a lot of smoke connected to rumors they may do just that — but not much more.
The deadline is next Tuesday 2 p.m. MT, and they have beenwidely connected to Colts star running back Jonathan Taylor in the days leading up to the deadline.
Though it’s unclear whether the Colts will really let go of the one guy they may want to build a team around.
But according to 9NEWS Denver’s Mike Klis, the team does seem interested in adding some firepower to the offense. But not just at running back. Klis also mentions tight end and wide receiver as the positions they could add. In fact, apparently the Broncos were interested in Trey McBride, but the Cardinals wouldn’t trade him.
So Broncos Country may have to settle for the guys in the room. And after rookie Jonah Coleman’s performance last Sunday, there may be a spark in that room.
But for Payton, the real benefit of Coleman is his advanced skills for a rookie in pass protection.
“The one thing that was unique about him is oftentimes you don’t get to see them in third down protection plans, but he was someone that we had quite a bit of tape on…and he’s built to handle the blitz,” Payton said. “It’s one thing to know who I have, but then also to be strong enough to do it. …His versatility, to your point —you don’t get to stamp that with a lot of rookie backs that you feel like they’re going to develop into.”
And while JK Dobbins would be the likely running back to go if Denver trades for another one, with RJ Harvey on injured reserve, that is less likely now. Plus Payton seems to like what Dobbins offers.
“He’s a huge part of what we’re doing. So each week we look at—a lot of times who’s the back that’s in there with the hot hand. But he’s been fantastic,” Payton said. “He’s doing a great job.”
