Good morning, Broncos Country.

Pro Football Focus wasn’t high on the Denver Broncos roster when they released their initial rankings several weeks ago. As the weeks have passed, they have taken a deeper dive into the position groups for each team.

Yesterday, they released their rankings for every running back room in the National Football League. Our beloved Broncos ranked fourth-worst of all teams at 28th overall. They cited the struggles of fourth-year pro Javonte Williams while touting Jaleel McLaughlin being the best performer from last season’s team. No deeper analysis was given, but relative to their peers—they feel Denver’s stable of backs isn’t anything to write home about.

There is no doubt the franchise underperformed running the ball last season. Their inconsistency on that side of the ball certainly held the offense back. It’s definitely one of the major aspects of the team that needs to be improved upon during their 2024 season to have a realistic shot at success.

However, I think the Broncos did a good job upgrading the position by drafting Audric Estime in the fifth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft and adding Blake Watson as an undrafted free agent. On top of that, another year in Sean Payton’s system should benefit the aforementioned Williams and McLaughlin. Additionally, Samaje Perine was a solid contributor—especially as a receiver for the team last year.

One of the worst units in the league? I doubt that. It’s more talented than it was last season. And when the rubber meets the road and the season plays out, I wouldn’t be surprised if Denver’s rushing offense is ranked in the top half of the NFL next year. What do you guys think? Is Pro Football Focus too low on the talent the Broncos have on the position? Or is their low ranking of the unit fair? Sound off in the comments section and let us know how you feel.

As always—thank you for reading. Here is today’s slate of articles for Horse Tracks.

2024 Fantasy Football Draft Prep: Denver Broncos player outlooks, schedule, depth chart and more to know – CBSSports.com
Get ready for your 2024 Fantasy drafts with our look at the Broncos

Denver Broncos news: Training camp schedule to be announced next week
The Broncos are set to announce their 2024 training camp schedule soon.

Unfortunate Zach Wilson update heading into Denver Broncos training camp
The Denver Broncos acquired Zach Wilson from the New York Jets ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft.

Denver Broncos Given a B- Grade by ESPN for 2024 Offseason Moves
The Denver Broncos have mostly received negative reviews for their 2024 offseason moves, and now ESPN weighs in.

NFL News & Tidbits

NFL community observes Juneteenth holiday
In June 2020, Commissioner Roger Goodell announced the NFL would recognize Juneteenth as a holiday and the league’s offices would be closed in observance.

Bengals’ Jake Browning sees himself as better backup to QB Joe Burrow after extended action in 2023
After seeing extended action in 2023, Cincinnati Bengals QB Jake Browning feels he’s in a much better place as the backup to Joe Burrow, saying he and Burrow can help each other going forward thanks to his unexpected experience last season.

Jaguars LB Travon Walker motivated in Year 3 by teammates’ extensions: ‘Definitely fuel to the fire for me’
Travon Walker seemed to turn the corner in Year 2, finishing the 2023 season on a high note. The Jacksonville Jaguars pass rusher and former No. 1 overall pick believes the best is ahead of him after he learned to conquer the mental part of the battle.

2024 NFL season: Ten biggest remaining roster holes
Who is the Steelers‘ WR2? Will the Commanders be able to protect rookie QB Jayden Daniels? Can Ezekiel Elliott still carry the load for the Cowboys? Kevin Patra identifies the 10 biggest roster holes remaining across the NFL.