Denver Broncos: Who Will Win The Starting Running Back Job?

Sep 14, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (28) runs the ball during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Thoroughbred – Montee Ball

When the Denver Broncos selected Montee Ball with the 58th overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, they thought they were getting a workhorse. In four years at Wisconsin, two years as a full time starter, Ball totaled 5,140 yards on 924 carries and scored 77 touchdowns.

He had a ridiculous 33 in his junior season alone and set the record for most career rushing touchdowns with 77 and most total touchdowns with 84. Of course he had a fantastic offensive line, in fact it was one of the best in the nation, but Ball was still one of the premier running backs in college football. His durability was outstanding at Wisconsin but unfortunately it has not carried over to the NFL.

He was expected to start in his rookie season but lost the job to Knowshon Moreno after week 3. Moreno left to Miami in 2014 and again Ball was given the starting job. This time it was injury that cost him the starting position as he was placed on injured reserve after week 5.

Ball has averaged 4.2 yards a carry so far in his career but he has yet to show the burst and explosion from his college days. It may be that all the carries at Wisconsin have come back to hurt him and it seems unlikely that he will win the job going in to the season.

Next: The WildCard