The Denver Broncos surprised many in the NFL by making the playoffs at the end of the 2024 season with rookie quarterback Bo Nix. Head coach Sean Payton, who had faced criticism for his handling of the Russell Wilson situation, saw much of that criticism fade as the Broncos finished with a 10-7 record.
While their playoff run ended with a tough loss to the Buffalo Bills in the Wild Card round, their regular-season success fueled optimism among fans.
However, the Broncos still have several areas to address if they want to make a return to the playoffs in the 2025 season, and one of their biggest needs is at running back. Adding more weapons to Nix’s arsenal will be crucial to helping the offense take the next step forward.
Broncos Expected to Bolster Improved Offense in the Draft
That is why it is no surprise that Fox Sports analyst Nick Wright chose one of the top running backs for the Broncos in the 2025 NFL Draft. Wright, who was on the FS1 show “First Things First,” shared what he thinks Denver will do.
“The Broncos, I feel like, are going with one of the great running backs in this class,” predicted Wright about who Denver will select with the 20th overall pick. “Omarion Hampton, the comps you keep seeing are like a poor man’s Derrick Henry, which would be great.”
The Broncos need to improve their run game after being an area of weakness in 2024. In addition to already struggling, the Broncos lost Javonte Williams to the Dallas Cowboys.
Wright isn’t the only one who sees the Broncos choosing a running back; PFSN’s most recent mock draft also says Denver should avoid overthinking the selection and just choose Omarion Hampton, out of North Carolina.
Hampton is expected to be a significant step up from Williams. At 6’0″ and 220 pounds, he can be a three-down back in the league.
“A violent downhill runner who also has the ability to be serviceable in the passing game. From a talent perspective, Hampton is an instant upgrade over anyone currently in the Broncos’ RB room. If Denver can establish a consistent rushing attack, it will take pressure off Bo Nix’s shoulders,” according to PFSN’s most recent mock draft.
In 2024, the Broncos had the 16th-best offense in the NFL, with a grade of C according to PFSN’s Offense+ metric. The offensive line successfully protected Nix, and the rookie quarterback developed chemistry with Courtland Sutton.
The Broncos’ incredibly successful defense was ranked first overall with a grade of an A- by PFSN’s Defense+ metric, and was also the only defense in the league to score an A. While they might have struggled against the Bills, their stout defense, led by Patrick Surtain II, is ready to provide complementary football to a newly improved 2025 offense.
While Hampton might not rank quite as high as fellow prospect Ashton Jeanty, the former Tar Heel is expected to be an immediate impact player in the league. If the Broncos can nab him at 20th overall, their offense will instantly improve.