The Denver Broncos are looking to run the ball in 2015. With Peyton Manning returning for another season, the passing game should be just fine, but in order to take the pressure of the quarterback and maintain a better balance on offense, running the ball is a priority in 2015. The Broncos are currently working with a three-headed rushing attack with everyone having starting experience to their name. Could a trade come by way of the Broncos when one player establishes themselves as the true starter?
According to the Denver Post, last season's breakout star CJ Anderson is expected to open the season as the starting running back. Anderson took hold of the spot last year when both Montee Ball and Ronnie Hillman suffered injuries and the Broncos have yet to look back despite the other two rushers returning healthy this season. Anderson has done nothing but impress since putting up 648 yards in six games last year and Gary Kubiak likes where he has seen.
"We're right where we're at. Obviously C.J.,that's in a lot of ways his spot to hang on to," Kubiak said, via Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. "I think that Montee has had a great offseason. I think Ronnie [Hillman] has had a really good offseason. I think it's very competitive. You never know about the backs until you put the pads on. I think C.J. has worked extremely hard. Coming off of last year he deserves that opportunity and I think he's getting ready for that opportunity. But he knows he's being pushed very hard."
With the emergence of Anderson, could either Ball or Hillman find themselves as trade bait in the coming months? According to Pro Football Talk, Ball will likely be the backup to Anderson. Hillman could end up being a trade target, but he likely would not garner much of a return considering the sample size on him is slim. With teams like the Dallas Cowboys, Arizona Cardinals and Tennessee Titans needing rushing help, Ball would be the better deal, but that would leave the Broncos shorthanded should Anderson get hurt.
According to the Denver Post, the Broncos might also need to bring in a wide receiver for training camp and potentially the regular season as Demaryius Thomas' holdout extends. Manning has made it clear he wants a contract for Thomas completed, but if it is not then the receiver will continue to hold out. James Jones, Wes Welker and Reggie Wayne are available on the market and would sign for cheap to help with depth.