Denver Broncos general manager George Paton may have provided a clue about which running back they fancy in the 2025 NFL Draft, scheduled April 24-26 in Green Bay.
Per DNVR Sports’ Zac Stevens, on Thursday, Paton said, “You don’t see a lot of college players [pass-protecting] at a high level,” and the team believes that’s a key trait for RBs.
Ohio State’s TreVeyon Henderson — whom the Broncos met with Wednesday, per Mike Klis of KUSA-TV in Denver — is considered one of the better pass-blocking RBs in the draft.
“He might be the best pass-protecting back in the draft,” wrote NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein in his scouting report.
Henderson (5-foot-10, 202 pounds) also provides value as a pass-catcher and runner. In four seasons with the Buckeyes, he logged 3,761 rushing yards and 853 receiving yards.
Taking Henderson with pick No. 20 in the first round could be a slight reach for the Broncos. However, will he be available at pick No. 51 for Denver in the second round? In Tankathon’s latest mock draft, the Dallas Cowboys take him with pick No. 44.
Broncos head coach Sean Payton didn’t clarify whether they would spend their first-rounder on an RB.
“If you have a real clear vision for how you want to use [an RB], I think it’s just the team’s feeling for how good that player is,” Payton said, via Stevens.
Regardless, expect the Broncos to select an RB to improve their ground game, which ranked 16th in the league in rushing yards last season (112.2).
If Henderson lands with Denver, the team should feel thrilled about that. Versatile RBs like Alvin Kamara and Darren Sproles thrived under Payton when he was the New Orleans Saints head coach.
Henderson, a 2024 national champion, likely has the tools needed to become a similar playmaker for the Broncos.
