Denver Broncos: Does C.J. Anderson release tip 2018 draft plans?
After a failed trade, the Denver Broncos finally released running back C.J. Anderson. What does that say about John Elway’s draft plans?
The Denver Broncos have toyed with the idea of getting rid of C.J. Anderson since 2016 when the team placed a low tender on the then 25-year old running back. Of course, nothing ever materialized and Anderson eventually became a the feature back during the disappointing 2017 season.
Despite startling every game for the Broncos and rushing for over 1,000 yards, John Elway decided it was time to move on as the running back was released.
From NFL.com’s report on the release:
"“Over the last five years, C.J. developed from an undrafted player into an important member of our team,” Broncos general manager John Elway said. “We appreciate all he did as a Bronco, especially during our Super Bowl season, and thank him for his many contributions on and off the field.”"
The release of Anderson leaves a hold in the Broncos backfield. Some may believe that Elway and company may want to roll into the 2018 season with Devontae Booker and De’Angelo Henderson, but we beg to differ.
Booker hasn’t been anything special in his two seasons with the Broncos. In 2016, he showed some promise rushing for 614 yards and catching 31 passes, but he averages just 3.6 yards per carry. Meanwhile, Henderson hasn’t been given the opportunity to show anything just yet.
With four picks in inside the top 100 of the 2018 NFL Draft, conventional wisdom says that Elway will look to take a running back within the first three rounds. Let’s take a look at the players they could be targeting with each of those selections.
No. 5 overall
By the time the Broncos pick in the first round, all of the top quarterback prospects might be gone. This could mean that Penn State running back Saquon Barkley could be available with the No. 5 pick. Barkley is arguably the best prospect in the entire 2018 draft and some experts believe him to be the greatest running back prospect to come out since Adrian Peterson.
Offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave knows what it’s like to coach AP, who rushed for 2,097 yards and 12 touchdowns in his offense — imagine what he could do for Barkley, who can do it all. At 6-0, 233 pounds, Barkley ran a blazing 4.40-second 40-yard dash, which backed up his excellent film that saw him rack up over 3,800 yards and 43 touchdowns in his three seasons with Penn State.
If there is a run on quarterbacks to start the first round, then Barkley becomes more and more enticing. There’s a chance Elway may take one of the safest who happens to be a game-changer with the No. 5 overall pick.