Every offseason there are battles across the NFL for positional supremacy, starting jobs and playing time. As the offseason progresses, Sports World News will analyze position battles, and even update ones we've covered when there are major shifts.
Today, we'll look at the Denver Broncos' muddy running back situation. Typically, being the lead back in a Peyton Manning system is a gold mine. The question in Denver is whether or not that role will be held by one man.
Leader of the Pack: C.J. Anderson
Anderson was an afterthought this time last year, but in late November Anderson seized the job and ran away with it. It took injuries to two other backs for Anderson to get his big shot, but the production was marvelous, especially when a banged-up Manning made him the focal point. In his first two games as a starter Anderson rushed for 167 and 168 yards respectively; after that the yardage dipped, but he scored seven touchdowns in four games and struck paydirt at least once in three of those four tilts.
Heading into 2015, there's no reason to consider anyone else at the top of the depth chart.
Mr. Versatile: Ronnie Hillman
Some people are of the mind that any running back can succeed with Manning at the helm because of the attention he draws in the passing game. Hillman, a former third-round pick, had been performing at a very high level last year when injury gave him an opportunity to shine. Hillman is more slight of build than Anderson, but he's also faster and more adept in the passing game.
Hillman was targeted 10 times in a single game last season and averaged four targets per game. He might be the leader of the pack for 2015 had he not gone down with an injury that opened the door for Anderson. Hillman is not going to be a goal-line back for the Broncos, which limits his upside, but he showed in 2014 he can strike from distance. His role is cemented here with the chance for injury or ineffectiveness to increase his usage.
The Bust: Montee Ball
It's safe to say Ball, a second-round pick out of Wisconsin, has been a disappointment. After solid work in a limited role in 2013, Ball was handed the job for 2014 and promptly lost 1.6 yards off his yards per carry rate, averaged the same yards per game as he did in 2013 despite receiving an additional four carries, then getting hurt.
Ball has the greatest pedigree of this bunch, but he has a long road ahead if he's going to reclaim his spot atop the depth chart. Both Anderson and Hillman badly outperformed him last year, and second-rounders don't have as much sway as their Round 1 counterparts.
The Dark Horse: Juwan Thompson
Thompson is another overachieving undrafted free agent with a chance to provide big value if some breaks go his way. Thompson is buried now, and was a bit of a plodder last season, but he has a nose for the end zone and he wasn't given much rope to show his entire skill set.
Thompson only received double-digit carries once all year, and is absolutely worth owning if one of the top 3 backs get hurt.
Prediction: Anderson keeps the job out of training camp and provides second-round value, while Hillman serves as a poor man's Darren Sproles.
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