The Denver Broncos have shown positive progress at the running back position since the start of training camp. Head coach Sean Payton has been particularly complimentary towards Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin.
Those two players appear to be the top two backs on the team and fifth-round pick Audric Estime is going to make the 53-man roster. But there are still two running backs who could each make a good case to be part of that final roster as well.
Samaje Perine and Blake Watson could easily be in a one-on-one competition for that spot. Perine is a 7-year veteran who was quite reliable for the Broncos last season, particularly as a receiver out of the backfield. Watson is an undrafted free agent but was on a short list of best undrafted players available following April's selection process.
This sets up for an interesting competition over the next month.
Can Samaje Perine hold off rookie Blake Watson?
Perine has a big advantage as things currently stand. He's an experienced player who showed he could be a great safety valve in Payton's offense last season, catching 50 passes for 455 yards, both career highs.
McLaughlin started training camp on the NFI list. He was recently activated from that but has gotten off to a slow start in camp. However, he proved himself to be a tremendous receiving back in college, catching 113 passes between Old Dominion and Memphis.
I really like Blake Watson but he’s behind the eight ball starting late. I’m not worried about the slow start (two drops today) but he’s gotta prove he’s indispensable/won’t clear waivers to take Perine’s spot.
— Henry Chisholm (@HenryChisholm) August 1, 2024
And that would leave Bo Nix without a third-down safety blanket.
He is four years younger than Perine, but some may consider that somewhat older for a rookie. Still, his body of work in college was terrific and he fits what Payton likes to do like a glove.
It will be extremely interesting to see how this shakes out for the team. If the Broncos see a potential future in Watson, they could be compelled to hang onto him as he almost certainly won't clear waivers to be added to the practice squad.
At the same time, Perine could be a perfect check-down option for a young Bo Nix, who excelled in the short passing game at Oregon.
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