2021 NFL Draft: Khalil Herbert landing spots

Denver Broncos

The Broncos just let the best back-up running back walk in free agency and will need a replacement. While Melvin Gordon is clearly the lead back here, history has shown Vic Fangio and company like to use multiple running backs in a variety of ways. Herbert would fit in well here as a complement to Melvin Gordon. If they can’t get it right at quarterback in this draft they will lean heavily on the run game.

This would end up being a bit of baptism by fire for Herbert who has only played double-digit games once in his career since leaving high school.

There is a lot to like about this situation, one is flat out the history of running back success in Denver. The other is the fact Melvin Gordon will be due for a new contract soon, which I highly doubt Denver hands out with his age. So getting Herbert and grooming him to take over the lead back role by 2023 makes much more sense than it should. Denver at some point will end up taking a running back in this draft and with Herberts upside v his current stock this should be easy.

The Broncos might not look to go after the position until later in the draft such as the fifth round.

Herbert has been mocked and ranked all over the place the last couple of months. I currently project he will end up going in the fifth round, with a floor of the sixth round. The Broncos have a lot of draft capital this year, so taking a shot on Herbert should be in the back of their minds. He seems like a great fit for the offense almost in a Phillip Lindsay type tier but will need time to round out his game.