Denver Broncos interested in Ahmad Bradshaw, Le’Veon Bell

The Denver Broncos are still in the hunt for another running back, and they could either sign a free agent now that most of the dust has settled or address the position in the draft. According to Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post in his “Question of the Day” piece, the Broncos are simply not going to stay put with what they have at the running back position. Legwold writes that the Broncos have interest in former New York Giants feature back Ahmad Bradshaw, as well as former Michigan State Spartans feature back Le’Veon Bell.

Dec 30, 2012; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) breaks off big run against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half at MetLife Stadium. New York Giants defeat the Philadelphia Eagles 42-7. Mandatory Credit: Jim O

First, let’s start with the 2013 NFL Draft prospect. Legwold writes that the Broncos are high on Bell and also have interest in Texas A&M Aggies back Christine Michael. Bell led the Big Ten in rushing last season, and he is their best option if they want to get a powerful back who can grind out the yards in between the tackles. Michael is a mediocre option, and the Broncos would most likely prefer to draft Bell, who had a solid college career.

Some say that Bell is overrated, but he’s faster than some people think after posting forty times in the low 4.5s. To me, Bell is their best option in the middle rounds over Michael.

If the Broncos want to get somebody who can be a feature back in this league when healthy, then Ahmad Bradshaw is the guy they want to gamble on. Even though he is a big injury risk and still has a “lame” leg (that’s what the Pittsburgh Steelers termed it), Bradshaw is a terrific talent as a rusher who can beat you in so many different ways on the ground. Add in that he is one of the best pass protectors around and can also make an impact as a receiver out of the backfield, and you have a guy who could very well be a top ten back when healthy.

According to Legwold, the Broncos took a “long look” (one of Legwold’s favorite sayings) at Bradshaw and could give him a low-risk, small contract to prove his health. The Broncos had interest in Shonn Greene, and it seems like they want to go for a running back who has No. 1 potential. Of these three backs, Bradshaw most clearly fits that type, but I doubt they would release Willis McGahee to sign Bradshaw. If they do release McGahee, then it would be to sign Bradshaw and draft a back (like Bell).

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