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[Denver Broncos]

The Denver Broncos hosted Kaleb Johnson for a Top 30 visit

Photo by Chris Bernacchi/Diamond Images via Getty Images

The heart and soul of the Iowa Hawkeyes’ offense last season shared a photo inside team headquarters yesterday signifying a Top 30 visit with the Denver Broncos.

Good morning, Broncos Country.

With the 2025 NFL Draft just three weeks away, the Denver Broncos continue their due diligence on this year’s class of prospects.

After a productive free agency, the Broncos have very few major needs to address later this month with one particular exception. That would be finding a standout running back who can become a focal point in Head Coach Sean Payton’s offense. While General Manager George Paton and coach Payton spoke highly of the players they have at the advent of this week’s owner meetings, it was cemented in stone that finding a top back will be a primary draft focus.

The franchise’s bras has met with a lot of backs during the pre-draft circuit and allocated many of their prospect draft meetings at the NFL Combine to get to know this year’s group of backs a bit better. Yesterday, Iowa Hawkeyes running back Kaleb Johnson took to social media and posted a picture inside team headquarters which confirms he had a Top 30 visit with the Denver Broncos. He was one of the backs the team did have a formal interview with at the combine.

Kaleb Johnson is a legitimate RB1

Age: 21
Size: 6’1, 224 lbs
Production: 1,725 Yards, 23 TD’s

He accomplished this in JUST 12 Games and didn’t Fumble ONCE all season (262 Touches)..

Advanced Analytics:

2nd in Break Away Yards (861)
4th in Yards After Contact (1,060) pic.twitter.com/ECEuxxZQG4

— Austin Abbott (@AustinAbbottFF) March 10, 2025

Widely regarded as one of the top running backs in this year’s class, Johnson is currently expected to be an early Day 2 selection in the 2025 NFL Draft. In case you missed it, here is my draft profile him. I have him ranked as the third best back in this year’s class behind Ashton Jeanty and Omarion Hampton.

Given the Broncos’ heavy utilization of zone concepts last season and the fact that is Johnson’s bread-and-butter, one can deduce he will be relatively high on Denver’s draft board at the position. Considering they’ve now met with him formally on numerous occasions, I think it’s safe to say the team is sincerely interested in him.

Overall, I don’t have too many questions or concerns about him as a prospect and feel he can be an impact contributor for the team as a rookie in the National Football League. What do you think, Broncos Country? Is Kaleb Johnson a running back you would love to see Denver pick in this year’s draft? Where does he rank on your board? Sound off in the comments section and let me know how you feel!

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

Broncos News & Tidbits

Broncos WR Troy Franklin Announces Switch to Jersey No. 11
The number Franklin wore at Oregon.

The Broncos moving their stadium out of Denver would be a huge mistake
The team is called the Denver Broncos. Not the Lone Tree Broncos. Not the Aurora Broncos. Not the Strasburg Broncos. The Denver Broncos

Denver Broncos hope to give Bo Nix the last laugh with their new ‘joker’
The NFL team filled a priority role in free agency this offseason.

Bo Nix will throw with Broncos WRs ahead of offseason workouts
A group of Broncos players including QB Bo Nix and WRs Courtland Sutton and Marvin Mims are expected to get together for throwing sessions this month.

NFL News & Tidbits

Daniel Jeremiah's top 50: 2025 NFL Draft prospect rankings 4.0
With just a few weeks to go before the 2025 NFL Draft kicks off, Daniel Jeremiah updates his prospect rankings. Which QBs are rising? Who makes his debut on the list? Check out the full rundown, 1-50.

Lance Zierlein 2025 NFL mock draft 3.0: Two teams trade up for QBs; Bears add playmaker on offense
In his third mock of the 2025 NFL Draft, Lance Zierlein spins a scenario in which multiple teams move up for QBs -- including Shedeur Sanders. Plus, the Bears keep building on offense. Check out the full first-round projection, 1-32.

2025 NFL Draft: Ideal top two picks for every team
Is there a better possible scenario for the Giants in the 2025 NFL Draft than landing a potential long-term QB (Shedeur Sanders) AND O-line help (Tyler Booker) by the time Round 2 is over? Chad Reuter projects the ideal top two picks for all 32 teams.

Trey Hendrickson says Bengals exec's comments on contract talks were 'disappointing'
Bengals defensive end Trey Hendrickson on Wednesday said that recent comments regarding his contract talks from Cincinnati EVP Katie Blackburn were "disappointing."

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/2025...oncos-hosted-kaleb-johnson-for-a-top-30-visit

 

[Denver Broncos]

2025 NFL Draft Profile: North Dakota St. offensive lineman Grey Zabel

Photo by Kevin Langley/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

If the Broncos want to take an offensive lineman early, then Grey Zabel is going to be near the top of their list.

While it is unlikely that the Denver Broncos attempt to draft an offensive lineman early, we have to account for all possibilities and see what is out there. And if Denver did want to pick up one on day one, then their target clearly would be Grey Zabel from NDSU.

Zabel is a total stud who made his presence felt throughout the Bison’s season and at the Senior Bowl where he quickly rose up the draft boards after dominating in both the run and pass game where he brought a level of physicality that was matched by few. You can tell that he played at a school that loves to run the ball.

Zabel is a two-time FCS national champ who started 41 games (including 36 consecutive starts to finish his collegiate career) across four different positions during his time at NDSU. He would earn First Team All-American honors his senior year. It’s also good to note that NDSU rushed for a total of 3,337 yards last year.

Player Profile​

Gray Zabel | Offensive Line| North Dakota St.​

• Height: 6’6”
• Weight: 312 pounds
• Hands: 9 1⁄2 inches
• Arm Length: 32 inches
• Age: 22 years old
• 40-Yard Dash: 5.3 seconds
• Vertical Jump: 36 1⁄2 inches
• Broad Jump: 9’3”

Film Room​

Sign me up for Grey Zabel's combination of getoff, leg drive, and pack-a-punch power in the run game. pic.twitter.com/cciKv9HQ9f

— Marcus Whitman (@TFG_Football) March 13, 2025​

Grey Zabel was ballin on day one of Senior Bowl practice. This reach and wall off on the loose 3T is sick pic.twitter.com/L2v1URkDKs

— Brandon Thorn (@BrandonThornNFL) January 28, 2025​

Scouting Report​

Strengths​

• Able to play multiple positions on the offensive line
• His mentality in run protection mirrors the likes of Quinn Meinerz
• Athletic and mobile, especially for his size
• A very strong run blocker
• Works well with his offensive tackles and centers on double teams
• Good vision in pass protection and handles blitzes well

Weaknesses

• Occasional struggles with pad level
• Better as an interior offensive lineman than a tackle due to speed issues

What other analysts are saying about North Dakota St. offensive lineman Grey Zabel​

NFL Draft Buzz

Zabel’s calling card jumps off the screen - he’s a technician who brings controlled violence to every snap. The footwork, hip drive, and natural leverage he displays in North Dakota State’s diverse run scheme will translate immediately to the NFL’s interior. When I watch him combo block and climb to the second level, I see shades of Zack Martin’s early Notre Dame tape - not as explosive, but the same understanding of angles and timing.

YardBarker

Zabel’s experience at all five offensive line positions will be attractive to NFL teams, but his physical limitations and technical inconsistencies will be easier to mask if he stays along the interior. Adding some bulk to his frame would help improve his anchor, but he’s got enough tools to eventually develop into an effective starter at either guard or center, with his previous experience allowing him to be a serviceable spot starter at tackle if needed.

Final Thoughts​

If the Broncos are meaning to boost their offensive line in the first round then Grey Zabel is absolutely their guy. He is exactly the kind of offensive lineman that belongs in Sean Payton’s scheme and would make for a great replacement for Ben Powers when his contract is up after this season.

However, I don’t believe the Broncos will be drafting the offensive line this early. Look for them to make a move likely on day three of the draft. It’s too bad that a guy like Zabel has almost zero chance of making it to the second round.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/2025/4/3/24395954/nfl-draft-profile-grey-zabel

 

[Denver Broncos]

Horse Tracks: Mock Draft Friday

Photo by Steve Limentani/ISI Photos/Getty Images

Good Morning Broncos Country!

Good Morning Broncos Country!

I messed around with the Pro Football Network mock draft simulator and came up with a scenario that might make sense for the Denver Broncos. It is a bit heavy on the offensive side of the ball, but the Broncos need to get QB Bo Nix as much help as possible.

I’ll have my official first-round mock draft for you all on the morning of the first round of the draft. For now, though, here’s what I came up with using the PFN Mock Draft simulator. Let me know what you think!

20. Ohio State WR, Emeka Egbuka

Egbuka feels like a Sean Payton wide receiver. He runs routes well, has good hands, blocks well, and can excel in the quick-passing game and be a high-volume pass-catcher. I think he can be a productive rookie for the Broncos and help their offense and passing game improve this upcoming season

51. Ohio State RB, TreVeyon Henderson

Getting Henderson at 51 would be amazing. He has the ‘Joker’ traits Payton is looking for and can be a dynamic playmaker for them as a runner and as a receiver. The Broncos have been missing this type of player for a while and continue to improve their offense here with Henderson

85: Oregon TE, Terrance Ferguson

I continue to improve the offense by reuniting Ferguson with Bo Nix in Denver with the Broncos. He is a big and athletic pass-catching tight end who can add some depth behind veteran Evan Engram. He’s a good athlete, and I think he can be someone who excels in the red zone with Nix like he did while at Oregon

122: Kansas RB, Devin Neal

I have the Broncos doubling up at running back and adding Kansas running back Devin Neal. I’m a big Neal fan and believe he would pair nicely with Henderson. Both have pass-catching upside but Neal excelled as a runner between the tackles. These two backs would give the Broncos a dynamic and improved running game this upcoming season

191: Texas IDL, Vernon Broughton

Finally, a defensive pick! Broughton is a big and explosive lineman who would add some depth to the Broncos' trenches. In reality, he probably goes before the sixth round, but in this scenario, I have him going to the Broncos at 191.

197: Georgia OL, Xavier Truss

I’ll be real with you all, I don’t have much knowledge of Truss outside of him being a massive and versatile lineman. The Broncos can always use some versatile depth along the OL so I pulled the trigger. Great analysis, I know.

208: Georgia Tech TE, Jackson Hawes

I have the Broncos adding a pass-catcher at tight end, and now I have them adding a run-blocking specialist. Hawes offers little as a pass-catcher but is a nasty run-blocker, and we all know how Payton values this type of player.

Horse Tracks​

Denver Broncos: Team might get a road throwback uniform in the future
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What Dre Greenlaw, Talanoa Hufanga attributes excite Broncos coach Sean Payton - Yahoo Sports
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Jahmyr Gibbs will be No. 0, Jameson Williams will be No. 1 in 2025 - NBC Sports
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Case Keenum agrees to terms with the Bears - NBC Sports
Free agent quarterback Case Keenum has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $3 million with the Bears, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports.

Mark Davis: This is my favorite time of year because we're undefeated - NBC Sports
The Raiders haven't won a playoff game since 2002, which was their last Super Bowl appearance.

Cowboys' DeMarvion Overshown approaching 2025 with one goal: Win Comeback Player of the Year
DeMarvion Overshown is on a familiar road to recovery after his latest injury. When he returns, the Cowboys pass rusher has one goal: Play well enough to earn league-wide attention in 2025.

Re-energized Patriots OC Josh McDaniels calls year away from NFL a 'blessing'
Patriots OC Josh McDaniels said on Thursday that his year away from football following his firing from the Raiders was a "blessing."

NFL announces 2025 offseason workout dates for all 32 teams
The NFL on Thursday announced 2025 offseason workout dates for each club.

Patriots trading QB Joe Milton to Cowboys for Day 3 draft pick
The Cowboys are acquiring quarterback Joe Milton III from the Patriots in a trade, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported. Milton and a seventh-round pick will go to Dallas, while New England will receive a fifth-round selection.

Raiders, QB Geno Smith agree on two-year extension worth up to $85.5 million
Just a month after trading for him, the Raiders have agreed to terms with Geno Smith on a two-year extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday.

Cardinals, TE Trey McBride agree to four-year, $76 million extension through 2029 season
The Arizona Cardinals announced on Thursday they have agreed to a four-year contract extension with Trey McBride through the 2029 season.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/2025/4/4/24400915/horse-tracks-mock-draft-friday

 

[Denver Broncos]

Future Broncos: Kansas State running back DJ Giddens

Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

Kansas State Wildcats running back DJ Giddens is a prospect the Denver Broncos should consider on Day 2 of the 2025 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos will be drafting a running back in the 2025 NFL Draft.

That’s an absolute certainty confirmed by General Manager George Paton at the kickoff of the NFL Owners Meetings earlier this week. As I’ve said for months, it was never a question of if—only when that would happen in the Broncos’ draft endeavors. If they bypass selecting a back in the first round, they will still have plenty of other quality prospects available on Day 2 to choose.

A back they have done extensive work on [including a Top 30 visit to team headquarters] is Kansas State standout DJ Giddens. Despite a productive high school career, Giddens wasn’t a highly sought after player by top programs because he had only played football for a few years. He committed to Kansas State and redshirted as a preferred walk-on in 2021. As a redshirt freshman, he was the complimentary back to standout Deuce Vaughn, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft by the Dallas Cowboys.

With Vaughn off to big leagues, Giddens earned the starting spot for Chris Klieman’s squad the following season and never looked back. One of the most productive backs in the Big 12, Giddens got better every season and put together his best season in 2024 with 1,343 yards on the ground and an impressive 6.6 yard per carry average.

By all accounts, he has had an impressive pre-draft circuit and is a prospect on the rise. In particular, he tested out as one of the most athletic backs at the NFL Combine and has scheduled visits with a lot of other teams. Let’s take a deeper look at Giddens, his strengths and weaknesses, and when the Broncos should consider selecting him in this year’s draft.

Player Profile: DJ Giddens — Running Back — Kansas State​

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 212 pounds | Arm Length: 30-3/8” | Hand Size: 9-1/4”

40-yard dash: 4.43 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.53 seconds | Vertical: 39-1/2” | Broad: 10’-10”

Statistics at Kansas State: 39 games, 25 starts, 517 carries, 3,087 yards, 6.0 yard per carry average, 23 touchdowns. 58 receptions, 679 receiving yards, 11.7 yard per catch average, 4 receiving touchdowns.

Film Room & Highlights​

Hart’s Scouting Report​

Positives:

• Prototypical size for the position and sports long arms and a large catch radius
• One of this draft’s more balanced backs with hefty experience in both zone and gap concepts
• Top tester at this year’s NFL Combine with an impressive RAS
• Extremely productive the past two years with an increased workload
• Possesses quality vision and patience and 25 runs over 15 yards or longer in ‘24
• Improved with generating yards after contact this past season
• Elusive and shifty for his size with 69 missed tackles forced in ‘23 and 55 missed tackles in ‘24
• Secure ball carrier who rarely fumbles

Negatives:

• Like many of the bigger backs in this class Giddens runs upright with a high pad level
• Pass protection needs a lot of work
• Despite 4.43 40-yard dash, long and breakaway speed is not top-tier
• Decent production as a receiver but certainly has room for improvement and growth
• Given the aforementioned, he is likely a two-down back to start his NFL career

Hart’s Projection: Top 64 Selection | Mid-to-Late Second Round Value

Every Kansas State RB DJ Giddens breakaway run 15+yard from 2024 #NFLDraft2025 pic.twitter.com/D7FAmXl6Vx

— Ray G (@RayGQue) March 7, 2025

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Giddens​

If the Broncos don’t select a running back in the first round of this year’s draft, it will become a Day 2 priority for them. Yes, it’s a deep class and quality players can be had even on Day 3, but the Broncos need a quality prospect capable of seeing major snaps as a rookie.

Giddens is durable, dependable, and had no issues with an increased workload over the past few seasons. I believe he is easily capable of earning 250 looks as a runner and receiver out of the backfield as a rookie. While Giddens does have room for improvement as a receiver, he was effective on flat area throws and wheel routes the past two seasons with the Wildcats. He also has long arms and good-sized hands giving him a catch radius some others in this class don’t possess.

The biggest thing holding him back from being a true three-down back is lack of experience in pass protection. Though that certainly can be improved in time with proper coaching. Nevertheless, his ascent from a preferred walk-on to one of this year’s best prospects at the position is noteworthy. Overall, Giddens is a self-made running back with the grit and skillset to succeed as a lead back at the next level.

Nobody knows how the board will fall, but I expect at least five backs to be off the board by the time the Broncos are picking in the second round. If that’s the case, Giddens could very well be the best prospect available at the position at pick 51. Your mileage may vary, but it doesn’t seem like he will be available in the third round, where mock draft simulators commonly have him going. In such a scenario, I certainly wouldn’t have an issue with the Broncos making him their first selection on Day 2.

Source: https://www.milehighreport.com/2025...-profile-kansas-state-running-back-dj-giddens