The Denver Broncos picked former Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft.
While strengthening the Broncos’ backfield, the move may have rendered veteran Javonte Williams unnecessary. Writers for a potential Super Bowl contender are already keeping an eye on Williams, who is about to reach the last year of his rookie deal.
Williams should have been traded to the RB-hungry Dallas Cowboys, according to Brian Martin of the SB Nation website Blogging the Boys. In his article from April 29, Martin wrote, “[Williams] would immediately upgrade the position as Tony Pollard’s replacement.”
“The Cowboys may easily part with a late-draft pick in 2025 in order to get Williams’ services. With a 5’10”, 220-pound running back, they have everything they need at the position.
A real three-down back, he possesses the strength to gain the difficult yards as well as the agility and contact balance to gain significant yardage on consecutive plays. In free agency, Pollard was lost by the Cowboys to the Tennessee Titans. Along with unknowns Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, Dallas’ roster includes veterans Royce Freeman and Ezekiel Elliott.
Sean Payton, the head coach, might not want to break ways with Williams. Should Payton want to deal the North Carolina player, Martin wants the Cowboys to keep an eye on his availability. Martin stated, “If they can pry him away from the Broncos, he is well worth the investment, even if he ends up being a one-year rental.”
Williams Added to the List of Broncos Veterans Placed on Watch Following the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams recovered from a horrific knee injury sustained the previous season and was about as productive as he could be in 2023. His meager output under Payton may not be indicative of what lies ahead for him in Denver.
Williams was one of the four Broncos veterans placed on notice following the NFL draft, according to Dylan Von Arx of Mile High Huddle. Arx posted on April 30: “There is a stylistic overlap, and it’s hard to see a world in which Williams is a Bronco after 2024 with the major injury and being in a contract year.”
While Jaleel McLaughlin is a talented player, he is an easy tell since he consistently gets the ball when he is on the field. As a result, Samaje Perine could not even make it through Week 1.
Estimé was hailed by Arx as a “powerful addition” to the offense, with a “bruiser mentality” reminiscent to Williams. But Arx also made a subtle jab at Williams, stating, “Estimé has two fully functional knees and much better vision.”
What Position Does Williams Hold in the Congested Broncos Backfield? For Payton and company in particular, having a diversified set of running backs is a nice problem in the NFL. With Payton in charge, where does Williams slot into the crowded Broncos backfield?
Despite being selected in just the fifth round, Estimé enjoyed a successful career with the Fighting Irish. The star player for Notre Dame ran for 1,341 yards in 12 starts during his final season as a college student. In the ground, he even scored 29 times between 2022 and 2023.
Just the previous season, McLaughlin was an undrafted free agent who had 107 touches for 570 yards from scrimmage. The all-time leading rusher in the NCAA is expected to have more carries in 2024.
Again, this is a great problem: Payton’s second season in Denver will involve feeding multiple mouths. Unfortunately, if Williams doesn’t sustain injury and has a strong season, that might drive him to the verge.