The Denver Broncos need a running back, and most think they will acquire one in the early rounds of the upcoming draft. Sitting at the 20th pick, it is most likely that the top running back prospect Ashton Jeanty will be gone, and from there, it is uncertain who the next best running back will be.
On paper, it seems UNC's Omarion Hampton; however, if someone told you in a few years that Cam Skattebo or Quinshon Judkins ends up being the second-best running back in the class, not many would be surprised.
This is why the Broncos have been linked to multiple veteran running backs via free agency or trade. Although most of the free agent running backs are gone and there are limited trade options on the market, there is still one name that the Broncos could go after. It would be a risk, but the reward could be worth it.
Nick Chubb, who last played with the Cleveland Browns, has been one of the best running backs of the past decade. He has had four 1,000-yard rushing seasons, but injuries have plagued him, and he has only played in 10 out of the last 34 regular-season games.
Chubb is 29 years old, which is known as the age cliff for NFL running backs; however, elite running backs in the NFL can remain productive into their thirties, and Chubb has been just that so far in his career.
Players like Derrick Henry, Aaron Jones, and James Connor have shown that you can still be highly productive in your late 20s to early 30s. Chubb may not be Henry, but he has been just as, if not more, productive than Jones and Connor and could continue to produce at a high level as long as he stays healthy.
Chubb had 102 rushes for 332 yards and three touchdowns in eight games. He also had five catches for 31 yards and one touchdown in the receiving game.
He missed the first half of the season while recovering from an ACL and MCL injury. In his last healthy season, he had 1525 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns on five yards per carry. He also had 27 catches for 239 yards and one receiving touchdown.
The veteran was a Pro Bowler that season, and he can easily return to Pro Bowl form now that he is healthy and has a full offseason to get back into it. He even just posted photos on Instagram of himself working out and squatting 600 pounds.
He seems to be getting his body back right, and the Broncos could take advantage of this and sign one of the best running backs of the last decade for a low price because of his availability and play in the previous two seasons.
Offensive guru Sean Payton would be the perfect coach to help Chubb get back on track, too. Chubb in a Sean Payton offense could revive Chubb's career, and he could take a lot of the pressure off of second-year quarterback Bo Nix. This would also allow the Broncos to adjust their draft plans.
Not having to draft a running back in the first three rounds means that the Broncos can use their first few picks to get a top receiving prospect for Bo Nix to throw to, and they can add offensive line, tight end, and cornerback depth that they need to obtain.
The Broncos should reach out to Chubb before the draft so they can make informed decisions accordingly. Chubb would be able to return to competing on a playoff team that could even become a Super Bowl contender if the rest of the offseason goes as planned.
