Should The Broncos Take a Running Back Early in the Draft?

In his long, spotty history as a drafter, one thing Mike Shanahan has proved one thing beyond a shadow of a doubt. A running back need not come festooned with a lofty draft position to succeed in the NFL. Terrell Davis, Mike Anderson and Olandis Gary have all proved that it's not how you get there but how you play once you're there. Last year the Bronco rushing attack was led by Selvin Young, who proved useful despite being passed over entirely on draft day.

That doesn't mean Shanahan is totally opposed to using an early pick on a back. Tatum Bell and Clinton Portis were both second rounders and Jeff Legwold of the Rocky Mountain News thinks he should go that route again this year. Young isn't an "every-down" back and neither is Travis Henry, he argues, so the team needs to find that back on the first day of the draft.

Rubbish. I don't agree with the need for an "every-down" back at all. The Steelers, Colts and Giants all won Super Bowls using multiple backs to great effect, regardless of where or if they were drafted, and there's no reason to think that trend is going to change. The Broncos should certainly pick up another set of legs to diversify their offense but their list of needs starts well before a back who plays on every snap from center.