Broncos coach Mike Shanahan is at it again.
Like he has done previously with Terrell Davis, Olandis Gary, Mike Anderson, Reuben Droughns, Tatum Bell and Mike Bell, the offensive guru is tabbing a nobody-turned-somebody to run the ball for Denver (Clinton Portis doesn't count -- we knew he'd be good). This time, it's second-year running back Selvin Young, who signed with Denver as an undrafted free agent last spring, as the Broncos' starting running back in 2008. Young figures to be the best fit to run in Denver's zone-blocking scheme after getting 729 yards on a mere 140 carries (a 5.2 avg.) in 2007, adding 231 yards on 35 grabs.
The precedent for Young is high: Last year was the first time since 2001 that the Broncos didn't have a 1,000-yard running back. Considering how quickly he grasped Denver's running style last year, chances are he'll be the next 1,000-yard back in the Mile High City.
That is, if the other runners on the roster stay out of his way. And again, knowing Mike Shanahan, that's going to be an issue. Veteran Michael Pittman, fifth-round rookie Ryan Torain and second-year speedster Andre Hall (who was undrafted) will jockey for position behind Young in camp.
Shanahan has been known to change his mind on who his running back will be, so Young's status isn't a lead-pipe lock, though it helps that Shanahan has said publicly that Young is the Broncos' main workhorse. Shanahan has also said previously that Young isn't capable of toting the ball more than 15 times per game, though he did top that mark four times last year (with two 100-yard games in those four). Young will have to not only be effective with the ball but also not fumble in order for Shanahan to stay with him.
As always, the Denver backfield is a popular spot for Fantasy owners to focus on, but as it's been for most of the time since Portis was moved to Washington, nothing is ever certain.
Positives: Young has a good year of work under his belt in Denver and knows the Broncos' running attack like the back of his hand. Young also has excellent speed and good hands -- he had eight runs of 20 or more yards in '07 and a pair of 20-plus yard receptions -- so he's a versatile back. With Shanahan naming him the starter earlier this offseason, and with the club dumping veteran Travis Henry, Young has a lot to be confident about and shouldn't feel much pressure to perform during the preseason.
Negatives: Size, durability and endurance are issues. Young is not built to smack between the tackles, he missed a game last year with a knee sprain, and he went from a 6.4 yards per carry average in the first halves of games to a 3.6 average in the second halves of games. But the biggest drawback to owning Young is that because he's not a physical runner, he's not a candidate to play at the goal line. Young scored one touchdown in 2007 -- a 20-yard run at Kansas City. Denver's pass attack and the other runners on board will cut into Young's touches.
Outlook: The good news is that Young should be considered a mortal lock for a few touchdowns and 1,000 rush yards -- we see him getting a smidge more than that -- but anything more would be unexpected. With Pittman to take third-down duties and Torain to potentially get into the mix in a number of roles (he fits in really well with the Denver offense), the club doesn't have a stud running back you can count on for huge Fantasy totals. But Young is the closest you can get. Think of him as a No. 3 running back worth a pick between Rounds 5 and 6.
Position battle: No. 2 running back
 | Michael Pittman
Pro: A late arrival to Denver this offseason, the 11-year veteran is expected to handle third-down duties, which he is definitely cut out for. Pittman is a versatile, physical running back who is adept at pass blocking.
Con: Age is beginning to catch up with Pittman, who experienced a downswing in his stats both rushing and receiving last season with Tampa Bay. Furthermore, Pittman hasn't had a big touchdown campaign since 2004 when he was the Bucs' starting running back. Touches will be tough to come by in Denver's crowded backfield. |
 | Ryan Torain
Pro: A rookie, Torain is familiar with and able to run effectively in the Broncos' running style thanks to his days of running in it while at Arizona State. He proved to be a physical back there and totaled 12 touchdowns in 14 starts (19 games) with five more scores through the air.
Con: Torain suffered the dreaded Lisfranc sprain in his senior season and is on the comeback trail from it. He also has a history of sprained ankles dating back to his sophomore year at school. Torain also doesn't have a lot of burst or acceleration (4.71 in the 40-yard dash at the combine), likely limiting his long runs. | | Prediction: Training camp will sort out what the roles will be, but Torain has a shot at starting the season as a goal-line back and eventually working his way into a feature role if starter Young is ineffective. Drafting for upside is the way to go here; think of Torain as a solid middle- to late-round pick while Pittman is more of a late-round pick in deeper leagues. | |
Position battle: No. 2 wide receiver
 | Keary Colbert
Pro: Out of the proverbial doghouse in Carolina, Colbert has a shot at starting over in Denver. In 2004-05, Colbert missed one game and amassed seven touchdowns.
Con: In 2006-07, Colbert made 11 starts and had no touchdowns. He was nowhere near a threat for defenses to worry about in Carolina, and the Broncos hope they can revive his career. |
 | Darrell Jackson
Pro: A nine-year veteran, Jackson has been as good as a No. 1 Fantasy receiver in his career, notching a trio of 1,000-yard seasons. He also has 50 career scores including 10 in 2006.
Con: Jackson has a knee condition that limits his speed and durability -- he's missed 14 games over the last three seasons. Additionally, Jackson's yardage and touchdowns were diminished in his first and only year with the 49ers (497 yards, 10.8 avg., three TDs). |  | Brandon Stokley
Pro: Stokley finished second on the team in receiving yards with 635 last year with five touchdowns as he developed into a favorite target of Jay Cutler's from the slot.
Con: Stokley's '07 was his second-best year statistically, including six of his nine seasons without even 500 yards or more than two touchdowns. A knee injury limited his play last season as well. | | Prediction: Jackson seems to be the most likely candidate to rack up the most stats, but chances are that Denver will experiment all preseason with who should play opposite Brandon Marshall. None of the above players are worth anything more than a late-round pick in deeper leagues. | |
