Heading into the offseason, the top priority for the Denver Broncos was to build on the inside of their defense and find "jokers" for Sean Payton's offenses.
In free agency, the Broncos landed one "joker" and that was tight end Evan Engram.
With Denver letting Javonte Williams walk in free agency and eventually signing with the Dallas Cowboys, it's pretty clear that the Broncos will draft at least one running back in this year's NFL Draft.
In a recent mock draft from former NFL Executive, Mike Tannenbaum, has the Broncos selecting North Carolina running back, Omarion Hampton with the 20th overall pick.
"Denver didn't go out and add a replacement RB1 in free agency. It can do so at the draft, though. Hampton is a great fit for Sean Payton's offense after an outstanding 2024 season," Tannenbaum said. "He can make defenders miss in the hole and has home run speed once he's free and clear (4.46 in the 40). Hampton is a three-down starter from Week 1, and that's what the Broncos need."
In Hampton's first season at North Carolina, he had 88 carries for 401 yards and averaged 4.6 yards per attempt. In the following season, Hampton became the lead back and rushed for 1,504 yards and scored 15 touchdowns.
In Hampton's final season as a Tar Heel, Hampton had a career year where he rushed for 1,660 yards and scored another 15 touchdowns.
Not only was Hampton great in the ground game, he was electric in the receiving game. Over his final two seasons, Hampton caught 67 passes for 601 yards and found the endzone three times.
According to Daniel Jeremiah, "Hampton is a big, athletic back. As a runner, he likes to press the hole early before deciding to stay inside or bounce out wide. He has enough speed to capture the corner when he gets to the perimeter. He's a loose runner and has make-you-miss ability in space. He has an impressive blend of power and balance on contact."
Last season, the Broncos' leading running back was Williams, and he only had 513 yards on the ground. Jaleel McLaughlin was second on the team in rushing with 496 yards.
Adding Hampton with their first-round pick, the Broncos would have the chance to have a 1,000-rusher for the first time since 2019.
