Broncos RB. (1 Viewer)

[purestrength]

Before camp, I had hoped Moreno might be the starter. But it sounds like the Broncos want the bulked-up Hillman to take the job (since Ball hasn't overwhelmed so far).

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos' running back competition "appeared to remain open" during Monday's camp practice, as Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball, and Knowshon Moreno all got first-team reps.
Ball reportedly had the biggest run of the morning's practice. We probably won't have a strong grasp on Denver's backfield pecking order until late in the preseason, depending on who starts the third exhibition game and how they perform. Ball is the Broncos' best inside runner. Hillman offers the best change-of-direction ability. Moreno is the most proven in pass protection.


Source: Denver Post

At this moment in time, this is sounding like a full blown RBBC situation.

 

[death of the cool]

Rotoworld:

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos' running back competition "appeared to remain open" during Monday's camp practice, as Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball, and Knowshon Moreno all got first-team reps.
Ball reportedly had the biggest run of the morning's practice. We probably won't have a strong grasp on Denver's backfield pecking order until late in the preseason, depending on who starts the third exhibition game and how they perform. Ball is the Broncos' best inside runner. Hillman offers the best change-of-direction ability. Moreno is the most proven in pass protection.


Source: Denver Post

At this moment in time, this is sounding like a full blown RBBC situation.

It would not surprise me if this is what is becomes which makes Ball's ADP way too high. I think Ball and Hillman's ADP will creep closer together as the season nears, but Ball will always go higher because of his shiny new potential. Unless someone takes hold of the job, I will more than likely wait for Hillman.

 

[We Tigers]

Rotoworld:

According to the Denver Post, the Broncos' running back competition "appeared to remain open" during Monday's camp practice, as Ronnie Hillman, Montee Ball, and Knowshon Moreno all got first-team reps.

Ball reportedly had the biggest run of the morning's practice. We probably won't have a strong grasp on Denver's backfield pecking order until late in the preseason, depending on who starts the third exhibition game and how they perform. Ball is the Broncos' best inside runner. Hillman offers the best change-of-direction ability. Moreno is the most proven in pass protection.

Source: Denver Post

At this moment in time, this is sounding like a full blown RBBC situation.

It would not surprise me if this is what is becomes which makes Ball's ADP way too high. I think Ball and Hillman's ADP will creep closer together as the season nears, but Ball will always go higher because of his shiny new potential. Unless someone takes hold of the job, I will more than likely wait for Hillman.

Well, and the scoring. As Cecil has emphasized, it would be surprising if Ball wasn't the goal-line/red zone back. If the Broncos score 12 rushing TDs, Ball's probably bagging 7 or 8 of them.

 

[moleculo]

IMO, the rule of thumb is which ever one is drafted last has the most value.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

the latest from Denver Post's beat writer Mike Klis:

Broncos | Ronnie Hillman has improved blocking Wed Jul 31, 09:38 AM

Denver Broncos RB Ronnie Hillman has improved his pass-protection skills this season, which hurt his case for playing time last season. He still has a firm grasp on the No. 1 running back post.

Footballguys view: You've got to protect Peyton Manning if you want to get on the field for the Broncos. Hillman is standing out as the best RB on the roster, showing better decisiveness than he did as a rookie. He's added 20 pounds of muscle this offseason working with superstar trainer Travelle Gaines yet Hillman has retained his quickness and speed. Rookie Montee Ball has struggled as a runner and pass blocker and may not win the starting job in camp. Link to story
Ronnie Hillman player page

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

According to the Denver Post, Ronnie Hillman has "his arm wrapped tightly around" the Broncos' starting tailback job through one week of camp.
The Post concedes Montee Ball "is to be the featured back" eventually, and the Broncos hope he "develops into a 15- to 20-carry back in the NFL." Coaches are making Ball earn it, however, and change-of-pace back Hillman is currently getting more first-team reps. "How it moves forward — we don't know enough about Montee Ball yet," coach John Fox said. "We know what style he has. I've been very impressed with his football character. And you do find out pretty fast at that position." We'll be watching these backs closely this preseason.

Related: Montee Ball

Source: Denver Post

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

After visiting Broncos camp, SI's Peter King reported Montee Ball "will be expected to carry a big part of the load" this year.
Perhaps even more interestingly, Ball told King he believes he's "most suited" to help Denver in the passing game, where he has soft hands but remains a work in progress as a pass protector. King noted the Broncos worked "a lot" with Ball on wheel and choice routes out of the backfield at minicamp. We don't expect Ball to be a true every-down back as a rookie, but he'll offer high-scoring upside as the heavy favorite for red-zone carries.


Source: SI.com

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Montee Ball knows he has to be able to pass protect if he wants to play significant snaps as a rookie.
"Honestly, it's 60 percent pass protection, 40 percent running the ball," Ball said. "In the NFL, it's no secret: It's a passing league. And on this team, when you have a great quarterback like we have, you've got to protect him." The No. 58 overall pick remains a work in progress in the area, but the Broncos have been working with Ball a lot in the area. Knowshon Moreno is the team's best running back when it comes to picking up the blitz, and the early camp competition "remains open" between all three of Ball, Moreno, and Ronnie Hillman.

Source: Mike Klis on Twitter

 

[BassNBrew]

Quote from Fox yesterday on Hillman being a full time back:

[SIZE=10.5pt]“I think he has developed a pro body, which does take a while for rookies when they come into this league and he’s done a tremendous job. So, he has done nothing but strengthen my thoughts that he is capable [of being full time RB] and he looked very good today, as well as in the offseason.”[/SIZE]

http://www.denverbroncos.com/multimedia/videos/Fox-The-Guys-Came-Back-Ready/c2fbc962-b008-41c1-ab78-4328864ee446

The bolded part in parenthesis looks a lot like editorializing. It's one thing to say a guy is a capable RB . . . and another for coach to say that he is a capable, full-time starting RB. If he didn't actually say it, then who knows what he meant.

Put another way, Bill Belichick described one of the guys fighting for a spot on the team as capable. But that doesn't mean that he felt the player was going to be a starter.

This is the quote that was emailed from the Denver Broncos.

Watch the video. I ask him the question about Ronnie Hillman being a full time back.

Obviously I wasn't there and you were. After seeing the video, it still sounds to me like Fox said he was capable, but did not come out and say he would be their full time starter. Maybe a better question would have been a flat out question of who is the Broncos starting RB? . . . or is Ronnie Hillman your 3 down starting tailback?

The way he answered, it sounded more like he didn't want to say anything negative and that his best response was that he is capable.

As I mentioned initially, maybe I am just jaded by BB press conferences where saying a guy is capable gives him at least a 50% chance of getting cut in training camp.

LOL, understood.

I asked Fox if Hillman is a full time back and he said Hillman has done nothing but strengthen his thoughts that he is capable of that.

You can't get much more direct than that.

it was after the first day of training camp, he's not going to come out and proclaim any RB the starter at this time.

Surprised the idiot didn't answer with "It is what it is" or some other brillaint Foxism.

 

[Sabertooth]

I bought into the Hillman hype last year but when I heard that he was playing around 170 lbs, I cut bait. Released him from my dynasty roster. He just isn't big enough.

 

[cvnpoka]

Still a bit amused at people wondering about Ball's pass protection. If you don't know he's a good pass blocker, then quite frankly you haven't watched enough game tape if him.

i would imagine almost everyone itt has watched about 0 minutes of game tape of him blocking.

 

[BassNBrew]

I have a feeling its going to be Moreno or Hillman as the lead RB. Fox has a history of not using rookie rb's and Moreno looked pretty good to me last year.

And Fox also had a history of not passing much, either. IMO, coaches have tendencies but play to the strength of their team. At this stage, if Manning prefers any particular back, I would think the coaching staff would side with what Manning wants. Last I heard, Manning was posturing for Bell to play a big role. Maybe that's just lip service or maybe Manning will side with someone else down the line, but I doubt Manning would be praising someone effusely and then the coaching staff ignores him.

I don't have a good enough connection to run down the stats but Fox's history wasn't not passing, it was not passing on makeable 3rd downs. Given he had Jake Delhomme for the bulk of his tenure in Carolina, I'd say he passed more than expected. Here's the history I remember...

1. Passing went thru the WRs. WRs had huge years under Fox.

2. TEs were an after thought.

3. The RBs weren't utilized often in the passing game.

4. When in doubt, the veteran RB got the benefit of the doubt.

 

[bonesman]

I bought into the Hillman hype last year but when I heard that he was playing around 170 lbs, I cut bait. Released him from my dynasty roster. He just isn't big enough.

Looks like you're going to regret that move.

 

[Buffaloes]

I bought into the Hillman hype last year but when I heard that he was playing around 170 lbs, I cut bait. Released him from my dynasty roster. He just isn't big enough.

he was the youngest player in the league last year. seems like there could be plenty of time to add to the frame and learn the nuances. reportedly, he's back to ~200lb now.

 

[oukurt]

Loved Ball at Wisconsin (Badger fan here) ... super smart dude that excelled in a similar blocking scheme.

Calling my shot now ... I think he's going to shock the world with mid/low RB2 numbers and be in the discussion for offensive rookie of the year (due in large part to the guy behind center and the talent around him on offense). There's not a better rookie fantasy play out there this year. I plan on targeting him around the 6th round in drafts, and I think he'll easily be there. Unless he gets hyped up you might be able to get him in 7th-10th. PFF has him around RB42, which I think is too low.

230 carries / 1050 yards / 30 rec / 250 yards ~8 total TDs

[SIZE=11.818181991577148px]Not a better rookie out there? First you are wearing Wisconsin red glasses. Second have you seen any footage of Tavon Austin, Bernard, Patterson, Hopkins, Bell, or Lacy? Not the deepest rookie draft but there are 10 players that could really do well. Ball is included in that list. Stating Ball is the class of this draft is wrong. He did land in a great spot though.[/SIZE]

 

[Adam Harstad]

Loved Ball at Wisconsin (Badger fan here) ... super smart dude that excelled in a similar blocking scheme.

Calling my shot now ... I think he's going to shock the world with mid/low RB2 numbers and be in the discussion for offensive rookie of the year (due in large part to the guy behind center and the talent around him on offense). There's not a better rookie fantasy play out there this year. I plan on targeting him around the 6th round in drafts, and I think he'll easily be there. Unless he gets hyped up you might be able to get him in 7th-10th. PFF has him around RB42, which I think is too low.

230 carries / 1050 yards / 30 rec / 250 yards ~8 total TDs

[SIZE=11.818181991577148px]Not a better rookie out there? First you are wearing Wisconsin red glasses. Second have you seen any footage of Tavon Austin, Bernard, Patterson, Hopkins, Bell, or Lacy? Not the deepest rookie draft but there are 10 players that could really do well. Ball is included in that list. Stating Ball is the class of this draft is wrong. He did land in a great spot though.[/SIZE]

In terms of pure talent, Austin and Eifert are the class of this draft.

 

[Kenny Powers]

IMO, the rule of thumb is which ever one is drafted last has the most value.

Im with that right now with this DEN backfield. If the news keeps going like this, I expect Hillman's ADP to really go up. Im all over Moreno here.

 

[bumpman]

The Broncos released their first official depth chart today and Hillman is listed as the starter. Montee is #2 and Moreno is #3.

Of course, it is still early. . .

The article at the link, however, raises some interesting facts:

Now we know it's easy to say "Oh this is just the 1st depth chart, it's meaningless." I used to be that way until Topher gave me an interesting fact, in 2012 there was only 1 starters that earned their spot between the 1st depth chart and starting season depth chart. and in 2011 only 2 starters earned their starting duties in that same period. So while it's easy to write it off, history shows the starters on this chart are likely the starters come the regular season. The big question will be who fights it out for the final roster spots.

http://www.milehighreport.com/2013/8/4/4588118/broncos-release-their-1st-depth-chart-of-2013

 

[ATSS_0100]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

 

[Kenny Powers]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Ball's will start to drop. Its still real early in the preseason. I think how itll end up - assuming Hillman maintains his starter as starter - is Hillman with an ADP in the 5th, Ball in the 6th.

 

[BassNBrew]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

 

[We Tigers]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

Or just have one of the receivers not pan out. That'd pretty much cover it.

 

[Kenny Powers]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

 

[steveski]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

Assuming one RB gets most of the work in the offense then I think a 5th round pick is a steal and will easily outplay that draft position. As far as who in that offense won't meet expectations (assuming no injuries), my guess is Decker and Welker. IMO, they will both play the same role in that offense and I think it will vary between games which guy gets the catches.

 

[ATSS_0100]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

Good observation. Their SOS is ideal to support, but yeah there skill position players are getting drafted high.

 

[Kenny Powers]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

Assuming one RB gets most of the work in the offense then I think a 5th round pick is a steal and will easily outplay that draft position. As far as who in that offense won't meet expectations (assuming no injuries), my guess is Decker and Welker. IMO, they will both play the same role in that offense and I think it will vary between games which guy gets the catches.

Is anyone assuming that at this point? I dont see Ball being a 3DRB regardless if he starts to get the most carries of the RBs at some point this season. This is going to be a RBBC it would seem to me.

As for Welker and Decker, I think Decker suffers the most of the WRs but DT will as well. Decker's key is he's the biggest redzone threat (or at least Peyton's favorite target there). I have this sneaky suspicion Welker is going to be an Austin Collie clone (minus the concussions) for Peyton and the Broncos .

 

[steveski]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

Assuming one RB gets most of the work in the offense then I think a 5th round pick is a steal and will easily outplay that draft position. As far as who in that offense won't meet expectations (assuming no injuries), my guess is Decker and Welker. IMO, they will both play the same role in that offense and I think it will vary between games which guy gets the catches.

Is anyone assuming that at this point? I dont see Ball being a 3DRB regardless if he starts to get the most carries of the RBs at some point this season. This is going to be a RBBC it would seem to me.

As for Welker and Decker, I think Decker suffers the most of the WRs but DT will as well. Decker's key is he's the biggest redzone threat (or at least Peyton's favorite target there). I have this sneaky suspicion Welker is going to be an Austin Collie clone (minus the concussions) for Peyton and the Broncos .

Why would DT suffer? He's the only deep ball threat on the team. Welker and Decker will be the ones fighting over all the slot and screen passes.

 

[Touchdown There]

Just like Jordy Nelson, Decker can go deep.

 

[bonesman]

Some positive news on Ball for the first time in awhile:

(Rotoworld) According to the Denver Post, rookie Montee Ball was the "best" performer of the Broncos' top three running backs in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage. Analysis: Of note, Ball ripped off a nine-yard run with the first-team offense that got Denver a first-and-goal at the four-yard line. Ronnie Hillman "started," but Ball was mixed in with the ones, while Knowshon Moreno served as the No. 3 back. Ball could begin to separate himself from Hillman and Moreno in live action this preseason. Hillman has better quickness and projects as the change-of-pace back.

We'll see Cecil's take though, ha! My guess, "Ball sucked today as usual, he got all the carries and yards but Hillman's pass protection is out of this world this year and made a ridiculous jump cut deke juke to the backend gap that would've gone for a TD had he not got tackled behind the line... after the scrimmage Hillman remarked, "Yea, I didn't want to outdo the vets in front of fam and friends so I kinda just went down on that one, I had it though for sure".

 

[Buffaloes]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

Assuming one RB gets most of the work in the offense then I think a 5th round pick is a steal and will easily outplay that draft position. As far as who in that offense won't meet expectations (assuming no injuries), my guess is Decker and Welker. IMO, they will both play the same role in that offense and I think it will vary between games which guy gets the catches.

Is anyone assuming that at this point? I dont see Ball being a 3DRB regardless if he starts to get the most carries of the RBs at some point this season. This is going to be a RBBC it would seem to me.

As for Welker and Decker, I think Decker suffers the most of the WRs but DT will as well. Decker's key is he's the biggest redzone threat (or at least Peyton's favorite target there). I have this sneaky suspicion Welker is going to be an Austin Collie clone (minus the concussions) for Peyton and the Broncos .

Why would DT suffer? He's the only deep ball threat on the team. Welker and Decker will be the ones fighting over all the slot and screen passes.

I see no reason for why a full-healthy DT won't get plenty of screen passes as well. That's not really something Denver has had Decker doing a lot of.

 

[bumpman]

Some positive news on Ball for the first time in awhile:

(Rotoworld) According to the Denver Post, rookie Montee Ball was the "best" performer of the Broncos' top three running backs in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage. Analysis: Of note, Ball ripped off a nine-yard run with the first-team offense that got Denver a first-and-goal at the four-yard line. Ronnie Hillman "started," but Ball was mixed in with the ones, while Knowshon Moreno served as the No. 3 back. Ball could begin to separate himself from Hillman and Moreno in live action this preseason. Hillman has better quickness and projects as the change-of-pace back.

We'll see Cecil's take though, ha! My guess, "Ball sucked today as usual, he got all the carries and yards but Hillman's pass protection is out of this world this year and made a ridiculous jump cut deke juke to the backend gap that would've gone for a TD had he not got tackled behind the line... after the scrimmage Hillman remarked, "Yea, I didn't want to outdo the vets in front of fam and friends so I kinda just went down on that one, I had it though for sure".

Interesting that there is no mention of Ronnie Hillman's 12 yard run with the first teamers. Good luck figuring this one out.

"RBs Ronnie Hillman and Montee Ball each took snaps with the first-team offense. Hillman had a 12-yard run and Ball had a 9-yard run"

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/moisture-cant-stop-manning-broncos-030903280--nfl.html

 

[Kenny Powers]

In the past week Ronnie Hillmans ADP has risen from late 9th to early 7th, according to fantasyfootballcalculator.com.

Meanwhile Ball's ADP remains in the 4th.

Meanwhile, Manning is QB3 at 3.11, DT WR6 at 3.1, Welker WR16 at 4.8, Decker 6.2. This offense is going to have to be the Greatest Show on Turf 2 to support this ADP.

I wanna say McGahee had an ADP in the 5th last year, and I thought he had value there. That said, I dont expect any DEN RB to be as productive as he was when he was healthy last year, and the year before Peyton got there.

Assuming one RB gets most of the work in the offense then I think a 5th round pick is a steal and will easily outplay that draft position. As far as who in that offense won't meet expectations (assuming no injuries), my guess is Decker and Welker. IMO, they will both play the same role in that offense and I think it will vary between games which guy gets the catches.

Is anyone assuming that at this point? I dont see Ball being a 3DRB regardless if he starts to get the most carries of the RBs at some point this season. This is going to be a RBBC it would seem to me.

As for Welker and Decker, I think Decker suffers the most of the WRs but DT will as well. Decker's key is he's the biggest redzone threat (or at least Peyton's favorite target there). I have this sneaky suspicion Welker is going to be an Austin Collie clone (minus the concussions) for Peyton and the Broncos .

Why would DT suffer? He's the only deep ball threat on the team. Welker and Decker will be the ones fighting over all the slot and screen passes.

It should be expected he gets less targets this year with Welker in the fold. I think its reasonable to expect around 100 targets for Welker, which is 35 more than their WR3 got last year. Seeing DT's targets go down from 141 to 120 wouldnt be surprising. Demaryius had 1450 yards last year, Id be surprised if he outdoes that.

 

[pizzatyme]

While I think DT's catches could go down, I see his YPC going up and possibly his yards total.

It depends on what the defenses decide to do. Seller will put pressure on the Safety in the middle of the field. You can't cover them all!

 

[Rolling_akg]

Lots of wr talk in this rb thread. IF its more rbbc, I think hillman is the guy I want. Without "workhorse" status he could rip open a lot more longer ones, giving him boom valueiI'm spite of volume

 

[Kenny Powers]

Lots of wr talk in this rb thread. IF its more rbbc, I think hillman is the guy I want. Without "workhorse" status he could rip open a lot more longer ones, giving him boom valueiI'm spite of volume

Except that Ball is likely the GL back, that equalizes things.

 

[Saint]

Lots of wr talk in this rb thread. IF its more rbbc, I think hillman is the guy I want. Without "workhorse" status he could rip open a lot more longer ones, giving him boom valueiI'm spite of volume

Except that Ball is likely the GL back, that equalizes things.

I'm delaying judgement on that. The same was said of Forte vs. Bush in Chicago and Forte still has more value. I think the 1st preseason game will begin giving us some insight. Right now we are thinking Ball is the goal line back, but with that WR corp and TE mix, I can see Manning chucking the rock on a quick inside slant to Welker or fade to DT here.

I'm leaning the same as Rolling_akg thinking the guy between the 20s may have more value.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Quote

Broncos OC Adam Gase continued to talk up Ronnie Hillman on Friday, praising the second-year back's improvement.
"The last two days he has been very impressive and has had very minimal mistakes," said Gase. "You saw him bust a big [run] today. It is good to see him really develop. With the limited playing time he got last year, and now it is increased more, every day is a huge improvement for him." Hillman continues to receive the majority of first-team reps, ahead of Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno. The battle won't be sorted out until preseason games.


Source: Adam Caplan on Twitter

Aug 2 - 4:52 PM

 

[Rolling_akg]

Lots of wr talk in this rb thread. IF its more rbbc, I think hillman is the guy I want. Without "workhorse" status he could rip open a lot more longer ones, giving him boom valueiI'm spite of volume

Except that Ball is likely the GL back, that equalizes things.

If they're in that P Manning no huddle, do they still sub in ball in gl situations? Hillman should run some in from 10+ yards out so he'll get a few scores. I don't anticipate ball having more than a couple more TDs than hillman. I don't anticipate them rushing at gl until they punch it in. Great rz wr's there too. Even Moreno could steal a couple since he may be the best pass blocker.

 

[mjr]

Broncos | Ball outplays Hillman & Moreno at scrimmage (Rotoworld)

According to the Denver Post, rookie Montee Ball was the "best" performer of the Broncos' top three running backs in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage. Analysis: Of note, Ball ripped off a nine-yard run with the first-team offense that got Denver a first-and-goal at the four-yard line. Ronnie Hillman "started," but Ball was mixed in with the ones, while Knowshon Moreno served as the No. 3 back. Ball could begin to separate himself from Hillman and Moreno in live action this preseason. Hillman has better quickness and projects as the change-of-pace back.

Broncos | Montee Ball listed as primary backup (KFFL)

The Denver Broncos list RB Montee Ball as the primary backup behind starting RB Ronnie Hillman on the first unofficial depth chart of training camp. RB Knowshon Moreno is listed as the third running back on the chart.

 

[Cecil Lammey]

Some positive news on Ball for the first time in awhile:

(Rotoworld) According to the Denver Post, rookie Montee Ball was the "best" performer of the Broncos' top three running backs in Saturday's intrasquad scrimmage. Analysis: Of note, Ball ripped off a nine-yard run with the first-team offense that got Denver a first-and-goal at the four-yard line. Ronnie Hillman "started," but Ball was mixed in with the ones, while Knowshon Moreno served as the No. 3 back. Ball could begin to separate himself from Hillman and Moreno in live action this preseason. Hillman has better quickness and projects as the change-of-pace back.

We'll see Cecil's take though, ha! My guess, "Ball sucked today as usual, he got all the carries and yards but Hillman's pass protection is out of this world this year and made a ridiculous jump cut deke juke to the backend gap that would've gone for a TD had he not got tackled behind the line... after the scrimmage Hillman remarked, "Yea, I didn't want to outdo the vets in front of fam and friends so I kinda just went down on that one, I had it though for sure".

Not quite. It is interesting to note the Post did not mention Hillman's 12-yard run. Each back had three carries, Ball was 1, 1, 9. Hillman was 1, 12, 7 -- the first team had around 15 snaps total. Welker targeted for TD that Bolden knocked away. DT with TD catch at back of the end zone where Manning was flushed right and put it where only DT could get it.

It was a downpour and I was amazed the ground game could get anything going. See DenverBroncos.com for pics from the scrimmage. On Ball's 9yd run Stewart Bradley got ushered out of the way in the middle by Manny Ramirez. Hillman's 12-yd run was inside/out, in the three hole and he bounced at second level.

 

[Sabertooth]

I bought into the Hillman hype last year but when I heard that he was playing around 170 lbs, I cut bait. Released him from my dynasty roster. He just isn't big enough.

Looks like you're going to regret that move.

We shall see. I'm not panicking. I don't think any of these backs are going to be in the top 20 at the end of the year.

 

[JFS171]

Cecil - seen all the quotes on Hillman and the "capable of an every down back" sentiments from the coaching staff, but we've also heard you say this is RBBC all the way.

In an ideal scenario for Hillman, what's the realistic upside in terms of workload? 200 carries and 40 receptions? 180 and 30? Curious how you see that...

 

[FDC]

Panthers 2007

Deshaun Foster 16GS 247ATT 876YAR 3TD 7FUM 3.5YPA

2nd year DeAngelo Williams 0GS 144ATT 717YAR 4TD 1FUM 5.0YPA

 

[Rolling_akg]

I'm starting to think 2010 chiefs @ 80%.

Ball 600 yards 5-6 TDs

Hillman 1100 yards 4 tds

Difference being I don't see ball getting more volume like tj did. I don't think the donkeys have to run to score inside the 5, which could minimize the TD vulture edge.

 

[Biabreakable]

Yes, it is a big deal that Ronnie Hillman, he of all of the pass blocking issues last season, has seemed to have solved them satisfactorily enough to rise to the top spot among running backs on the Broncos first depth chart released last weekend.

But it is only a big deal to us. Broncos coach John Fox isn’t fazed and won’t be strapped to the depth chart when deciding who trots out on the field first at the position on Sept. 5 against the Ravens.

“Again, it’s going to be based on performance,” Fox said. “We’ve got four preseason games to take a look at them. We have a depth chart. We released a depth chart only because the league makes us, but as it sorts out they’ll define where they fit on the depth chart.”

Hillman, who talked for the first time since appearing No. 1 on the depth chart shrugged it all off.

“We haven’t even had a preseason game, so you just take the reps and take it for what it is,” Hillman said.

Hillman insisted it wasn’t his actual blocking that was a problem last season, it was his ability to recognize where the rush was coming from. Now, he says, that’s less of an issue.

“Now I’m seeing a lot more and it’s just being able to stand them up and being able to stall them,” he said.

http://blogs.denverpost.com/broncos/2013/08/05/broncos-coach-john-fox-rb-ronnie-hillman-shrug-off-depth-chart-talk/20591/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter

 

[Adam Harstad]

I do think being 3rd on the depth chart at this juncture means it's officially "put a fork in him" time for Moreno. Moreno's best hope was to start at the top and try to hold off the young guys. If he's starting at the bottom, I don't think he's got the talent to force his way up the chart.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I do think being 3rd on the depth chart at this juncture means it's officially "put a fork in him" time for Moreno. Moreno's best hope was to start at the top and try to hold off the young guys. If he's starting at the bottom, I don't think he's got the talent to force his way up the chart.

Just like last season right?

 

[Buffaloes]

I do think being 3rd on the depth chart at this juncture means it's officially "put a fork in him" time for Moreno. Moreno's best hope was to start at the top and try to hold off the young guys. If he's starting at the bottom, I don't think he's got the talent to force his way up the chart.

Just like last season right?

how so? McGahee and Moreno were atop the depth chart week 1 last year with the youngest player in the NFL behind them. iirc, that staff also didn't have Moreno practicing on special teams during TC.

eta: I don't think Moreno gets starter carries barring injury, but I think he'll carve out a role as a 3rd-down RB. His skills set as a pass blocker a receiver out of the backfield are a good fit. So I don't think it's to the point of 'stick a fork in him,' but it's looking pretty clear the staff is ready to lean much more heavily on the younger guys.

 

[ShaHBucks]

I do think being 3rd on the depth chart at this juncture means it's officially "put a fork in him" time for Moreno. Moreno's best hope was to start at the top and try to hold off the young guys. If he's starting at the bottom, I don't think he's got the talent to force his way up the chart.

Just like last season right?

how so? McGahee and Moreno were atop the depth chart week 1 last year with the youngest player in the NFL behind them. iirc, that staff also didn't have Moreno practicing on special teams during TC.

Everyone thinks they have this backfield figured out. There are plenty of ways Moreno can play his way onto the field. As far as talent goes he was the 4th ranked ppr RB in terms of ppg from weeks 12-16. For his career when he's gotten 15 or more touches he's averaged 16 ppr ppg. I'm not saying I'd jump off a cliff to grab Moreno, but don't be so easy to dismiss him even though the Broncos aren't doing anything to help my case. Ball can flop and so could Hillman.