With John Elway in charge, the Denver Broncos are seemingly always searching for ways to improve their roster.
According to reports, “spies” at the NFL combine say the Broncos, as well as the Atlanta Falcons, are interested in the services for New York Jets running back Shonn Greene. Greene is still currently under contract with New York, but the team plans to cut ties with him quite soon.
Greene is a workhorse, gaining 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns behind a bad Jets offensive line last year, his second straight season hitting the 1,000-yard milestone.
He's a bruiser, the type of back that can hit a hole or create one himself between the tackles; he's the kind of running back the Broncos need.
When Willis McGahee went down last season with a partially torn ACL, it was obvious Denver lacked a big back capable of gaining the tough yards. Backups Knowshon Moreno and rookie Ronnie Hillman are smaller, faster runners that are more well-suited to go outside the tackles.
Greene, a 5'11” 226 pounds, could be the answer as a bully, but he's not as versatile as many other runners in the league today.
While he has the push to get through the line, he doesn't have the burst of speed to take off and run away from defenders. And when it comes to catching the ball out of the backfield, Greene's only so-so at best.
Plus, he fumbled four times last year, and even though he only lost one, the Broncos must find someone capable of holding onto the rock. Fumbles, at key times, killed the Broncos chances of winning multiple games last season, and ball security needs to be a high priority.
If he's available for the right price, Denver will likely bring him in to either spell McGahee – who's health is in question – or split time with the veteran straight up. Then they could give Moreno or Hillman a carry here and there to change up the pace a bit.
For now, this remains a rumor, but don't be surprised to see the Broncos talking when free agency begins on March 12.
And John Elway isn't the only one trying to land talent, only four days ago, Peyton Manning asked Dwight Freeney to join the Broncos.
Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist. You can follow Rich on twitter or facebook for all your Denver Broncos news and opinion.
Comments