Lammey: Broncos RB Booker could be better than some think in 2017
Jun 29, 2017, 1:45 PM | Updated: 4:34 pm
Denver Broncos fans may have written off running back Devontae Booker after a disappointing rookie season. Patience is needed when evaluating talent, and there are signs that Booker could be much better in his sophomore season.
There’s no question that Booker struggled in 2016, despite finishing as the team’s leading rusher with 612 yards. His 3.5 yards per carry average was among the worst in the league for a starting running back, and Booker was expected to carry the load after C.J. Anderson went down in Week 7 against the Houston Texans.
Booker was not a good fit for former Broncos head coach Gary Kubiak’s zone-blocking system. Too often, he lacked patience as a runner, failed to see cut-back lanes, and regularly ran into the backs of his blockers.
A rookie, Booker’s head was swimming, something he admitted to earlier this offseason.
“Last year, there was a lot of thinking with me being out there. I was nervous just thinking about the whole offense. My whole head was spinning,” Booker said.
“Now, even though we have a new offense now, I work my butt off studying the whole offense. Everything is starting to slow up and I’m able to play faster.”
But bringing back Mike McCoy as offensive coordinator could greatly benefit Booker.
Denver will use a power/gap system this year when running the ball. Gone are the days of lateral movement up front on the line where the running back has the responsibility to press the hole or find a cut-back lane. The Broncos rushing attack will be much more straightforward this year — literally — and that’s a scheme Booker should thrive in.
During OTAs, Booker said he was excited by the way he’s being used in McCoy’s system.
“I like it so far. It puts my skill set out there,” Booker said. “(I’m) receiving the ball out the backfield and running different types of runs between the tackles.”
Booker is not a good receiver, he’s a great receiving option out of the backfield. He has natural hands and can swiftly get down the field with the ball in his hands.
His main competition to be the team’s pass-catching back is Jamaal Charles.
Even though Charles is cutting right now, we won’t know how his knee responds to full-speed work (and hits) until training camp and the preseason.
A healthy Charles is a better receiving option than Booker. But if the veteran can’t go, the Broncos could use Booker effectively as a change-of-pace back.
Booker will back up Anderson once again as a runner, but in the Broncos running-back-by-committee, we could see him lead the team in catches from the position.
After showing little as a rookie, Booker can be better this year than some people think.