The Denver Broncos enter the 2025 draft in a strong position, with a class rich in running back talent. However, uncertainties surrounding the draft and the team’s immediate needs have fueled speculation about Him potentially signing with Denver.
He spent the 2024 season with the AFC West rival Los Angeles Chargers, where he enjoyed a breakout year, rushing for 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries.
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon predicts that the Broncos may finally bring him on board.
“Finally healthy and thriving in Greg Roman’s offense, the 2020 second-round pick emerged as a strong Comeback Player of the Year candidate, recording 1,058 scrimmage yards and nine touchdowns for the Chargers in 2024,” Gagnon wrote on April 2. He added that Dobbins remains available because “even at 26, running backs with an injury history have limited leverage on the open market.”
Gagnon highlighted Denver and Las Vegas as the primary AFC West teams to watch in the Dobbins sweepstakes. While the Raiders recently signed Raheem Mostert, the Broncos, having lost Javonte Williams, might be more motivated to add Dobbins, given their closer proximity to contender status.
In addition to his rushing stats, Dobbins contributed 153 yards on 32 receptions, bringing his total to 1,058 yards from scrimmage on 227 touches—career highs across the board.
Despite his strong performance, injuries remained a concern, as Dobbins played in just 13 games in 2024, his most since appearing in 15 as a rookie. He is coming off a one-year, $1.6 million deal and has earned $7.6 million in his career so far.
Broncos Brass High on 2025 NFL Draft Class, Low on Free Agents Amid J.K. Dobbins Speculation
The Broncos addressed key needs in free agency by signing linebacker Dre Greenlaw, safety Talanoa Hufanga, and tight end Evan Engram. They also bolstered their special teams with Trent Sherfield and retained several of their own players. Additionally, they added quarterback Sam Ehlinger, who could serve as either QB3 or potentially QB2. However, they chose not to target a running back in free agency.
Head coach Sean Payton explained their reasoning.
“We felt like it was a pretty lean year in regards to free agency at that position, just relatively speaking,” Payton told reporters on March 31. “But there is depth in the draft.”
General manager George Paton echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the depth of the 2025 draft class.
“It’s a strong class, and there’s different flavors throughout the draft. I think you can get a good back from the second round all the way up to the sixth round. That’s how it is. There’s just so many of them,” Paton said on March 31. “You have the first and second-down power back. You have the change-of-pace, you have the third-down, you have the three-down – not as many three-down backs. But, no, it’s a good class. We’ll get a back in this draft.”
The Broncos also have several young running backs already on the roster, including Audric Estime, Blake Watson, Jaleel McLaughlin, and Tyler Badie. Payton expressed confidence in this group, noting that three of them led the team in rushing in at least one game during the 2024 season.
“Make no mistake about it, we’re wanting to see our group at home get these opportunities now,” Payton said. “That competition, I think, will help.”
Broncos Host Former Iowa Hawkeyes RB Kaleb Johnson
Dobbins’ chances of joining the Broncos are further complicated by the team’s active exploration of the upcoming draft class, including a visit from former Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson.
NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein highlighted that Johnson’s physical profile doesn’t quite align with his playing style.
“Johnson is built like a bruiser, but his style is more finesse, preferring to win with tempo and decisiveness. He keeps his runs on time and on track while allowing blockers to do their job. He’s not overly aggressive, but he has the size and strength to break tackles and gain extra yards at the end. He runs with below-average creativity and cut quickness but has consistent linear speed to break off big runs,” Zierlein wrote.
“His three-down value takes a hit because of his struggles in pass protection. Johnson’s traits and running style suggest he could be a good fit in a two-back system, with the potential to take on a larger role down the road.”
Zierlein compared Johnson to Atlanta Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier, who shared carries with Bijan Robinson in 2024, handling just under 50% of the workload as a starter.
While Dobbins could serve as a complement to the Broncos’ backfield, the team has multiple options in play.
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