The Denver Broncos find themselves at a critical juncture in their rebuild. With a new coaching regime, a reshaped roster, and a need to balance offensive firepower with defensive stability, selecting the right running back in the 2025 NFL Draft could serve as a foundational move. While the backfield isn’t devoid of talent, there’s room for a dynamic playmaker who can serve as a bell cow or complement the current roster with versatility. To make an informed decision, we’ll lean on two key metrics: Relative Athletic Score (RAS), which evaluates athleticism, and DRAFTIQ, which gauges football IQ, processing speed, vision, and decision-making. Together, these metrics can help project the potential impact of incoming talent.
If there is a running back that checks every box in both film and metrics, it’s Ashton Jeanty. Standing at 5’9″, 210 pounds, Jeanty’s compact frame and low center of gravity give him elite balance. His RAS is expected to be well above 9.5 thanks to his explosiveness, acceleration through contact, and elite change of direction. On tape, he’s smooth in his cuts and maintains top-end speed with minimal deceleration.
But where Jeanty really separates himself is in his DRAFTIQ. His field vision is among the best in this class. He diagnoses blitzes quickly, identifies cutback lanes before they develop, and shows maturity in pass protection that’s rare for college backs. Additionally, his receiving chops—over 500 receiving yards in his final season—make him a true three-down threat. With 56 career touchdowns and over 2,600 rushing yards in 2024 alone, Jeanty brings both production and polish.
If the Broncos are looking for a plug-and-play starter with elite football intelligence and athleticism, Jeanty is the guy.
TreVeyon Henderson came into college football with sky-high expectations and has lived up to the billing. The 5’10”, 212-pound back boasts 4.3 speed, and his RAS is in elite territory due to his explosive 10-yard splits and vertical jump. What makes Henderson unique is his ability to hit the home run on any play. He doesn’t need perfect blocking; he just needs a crease.
From a DRAFTIQ perspective, Henderson is a bit more boom-or-bust. His instincts are good, but not elite. He sometimes hesitates in the backfield or bounces runs outside when the better play is between the tackles. That said, he’s improved in pass protection and has become a reliable receiver, indicating a player who learns and adjusts.
For Denver, Henderson would bring an element of pure speed and electricity to the offense that it hasn’t had in years. If they’re willing to bet on upside and game-breaking potential, he’s a strong option.
Judkins is the power option in this class. At 5’11”, 220 pounds, he’s built like a tank but moves like a sprinter. His RAS is in the high-8s thanks to his lower-body explosiveness and balance through contact. While he might not be the fastest back in the class, he’s certainly one of the most difficult to tackle.
Judkins shines in short-yardage and red zone situations. He has excellent pad level, finishes runs with authority, and possesses deceptive acceleration once he hits the second level. In terms of DRAFTIQ, Judkins is incredibly sound. He reads blocks well, shows patience similar to what made Le’Veon Bell great, and is rarely caught out of position in pass protection.
For the Broncos, who could use a grinder to wear defenses down and move the chains consistently, Judkins would be a logical fit. He might not be flashy, but he’s reliable and brings a bruising identity to the backfield.
One of the more intriguing prospects, Cam Skattebo is a 6’0″, 225-pound battering ram with surprising agility and finesse. His RAS is excellent for his size—clocking in around 9.2—highlighting his rare mix of size, strength, and movement. He’s been clocked running a sub-4.5 40-yard dash and has a broad jump that reflects explosive power.
DRAFTIQ-wise, Skattebo is a student of the game. A former walk-on turned star, he brings a chip-on-the-shoulder mentality and smart, decisive running. He doesn’t dance in the backfield; he gets north-south quickly. He also excels at recognizing zone vs. man blocking schemes and adjusting his path accordingly. While he’s not the most refined pass catcher, his hands are reliable, and he understands when to release into the flat.
Skattebo may not be the headline-grabbing name, but he’s the kind of do-it-all, no-nonsense back that coaches love. He’d fit well in Denver’s zone-run system and offer immediate value on early downs and special teams.
If the Broncos are looking for consistency, Kaleb Johnson provides a strong case. At 6’0″, 215 pounds, he brings ideal size for the NFL and a low-risk, high-floor profile. His RAS sits in the 8.5–9.0 range. Johnson doesn’t blow you away with speed, but he checks the boxes in agility drills and burst scores. He’s also built to take a pounding and keep going.
In terms of DRAFTIQ, Johnson is as steady as they come. He reads linebackers well, doesn’t make mental mistakes, and rarely puts the ball on the ground. He’s not as dynamic a receiver as others in this class, but he’s dependable in short-yardage situations and excels in inside-zone runs. His footwork is clean, and he’s a coach’s dream when it comes to effort and execution.
He may never be a top-5 fantasy RB or win Offensive Rookie of the Year, but for a team like the Broncos that needs reliability and toughness, Johnson could be a smart addition in the mid-roundsFinal Analysis
When weighing RAS and DRAFTIQ together, three players rise to the top for Denver: Ashton Jeanty, Quinshon Judkins, and Cam Skattebo. Jeanty offers elite agility and intelligence—a true modern NFL running back. Judkins brings a no-nonsense, downhill game with savvy decision-making. Skattebo blends size and speed with a gritty, cerebral approach that would complement Denver’s system.
While Henderson is arguably the most explosive back on the board, he comes with slightly more risk due to decision-making inconsistencies. Johnson is a safe pick and could be a solid contributor, but he lacks the star upside of the others.
Ultimately, if the Broncos want an immediate impact player who can thrive in both zone and gap schemes, protect the quarterback, and contribute in the passing game, Ashton Jeanty should be the pick. He is the most complete back in the class in terms of athleticism, versatility, and football IQ. If Jeanty is off the board, Quinshon Judkins provides a powerful fallback option with a high ceiling and minimal risk.
Drafting a running back isn’t just about speed or strength—it’s about finding someone who sees the game at a high level, adapts quickly, and brings value on every down. In a class full of talent, Jeanty stands above the rest with his ability to do it all.
