With free agency winding down, the Denver Broncos have done a solid job strengthening an already strong defense. But in the draft, the team must focus on offense to unlock Bo Nix and their potential as contenders in the loaded AFC.
While adding weapons for Nix is expected, building a reliable ground game around him also has to happen. Last year, their rushing attack fell short. Because of that, two analysts believe adding one of the best running back prospects in this year’s draft could help Denver take the next step.
Denver Broncos Could Build Their Ground Game
The NFL’s top defense, according to PFSN’s Defense+ metric, added Talanoa Hufanga and Dre Greenlaw to a unit that already features the reigning Defensive Player of the Year, Patrick Surtain II.
Their next smart move could be Evan Engram, who might fill the “Joker” role that Sean Payton discussed. As a do-it-all threat, Engram could turn out to be one of the more savvy additions of the offseason.
Still, Yahoo Sports believes the Broncos should target Omarion Hampton out of North Carolina to boost the offense even more. “A bit of a luxury pick maybe, but Hampton would give the Broncos a steady and reliable RB1 for their offense,” wrote Nate Tice and Charles McDonald.
Hampton had a slow start at North Carolina, scoring just seven total touchdowns as a freshman. But starting in Year Two, he took off.
He became a dynamic option on the ground and through the air, rushing for 1,504 and 1,660 yards in back-to-back seasons with 30 touchdowns. He also became a solid pass catcher, picking up nearly 600 receiving yards and three touchdowns over those two years.
As a dual-threat who could help fill that Joker role Payton wants, Hampton would give the Broncos another weapon beyond Engram. And after a season where their top rusher — Javonte Williams — only had 513 yards (and isn’t even on the roster anymore) Denver clearly needs help in the run game.
PFSN’s Mock Draft Has Broncos Taking Different Route in 2025 NFL Draft
However, the latest mock draft from PFSN has Denver going in a different direction, taking Emeka Egbuka to pair with Courtland Sutton in the passing game.
A four-year standout at Ohio State, Egbuka flashed significant upside in his two healthy seasons. He posted 1,151 and 1,011 receiving yards in 2022 and 2024, along with 20 touchdowns across those two years.
“Emeka Egbuka is a well-built slot receiver who projects as a reliable chain mover at the next level,” Rolfe said in his breakdown of the Buckeyes star. “He has good size, strength and athleticism. Egbuka should complement Courtland Sutton and Troy Franklin in the Broncos’ offense.”
Whether it’s Egbuka or Hampton, either player would boost an offense that ranked 16th in PFSN’s Offense+ metric last season. But with several strong running backs available in the 2025 draft class, Denver might be better off going with a pass catcher to bring out the best in Nix.
