The Denver Broncos are set to have an inexperienced quarterback at the helm in 2024, whether it’s current starter Jarrett Stidham, newly acquired Zach Wilson, or rookie first-round pick Bo Nix.
Maintaining offensive momentum may require a strong focus on the running game. In 2023, Denver ranked 18th in both rushing attempts and yards. They have multiple options to consider, including former second-round pick Javonte Williams.
However, David Kenyon of Bleacher Report suggests that this depth might be a disadvantage for Williams.
Kenyon forecasts that Williams, the 35th overall pick in the 2021 draft who started 13 games in 2023, could be the Broncos’ “biggest bust” of the 2024 season.
“I’m not doubting his talent; the situation may not favor Javonte Williams,” Kenyon wrote on July 14. “He missed 13 games in 2022 and averaged only 3.6 yards per carry last year, while rookie Jaleel McLaughlin impressed. Denver also drafted Audric Estime. Williams’ snap share might decline in 2024.”
In 2023, the 24-year-old Williams rushed for 774 yards and three touchdowns, while also catching 47 passes for 228 yards and two scores. He set a career high with 217 carries, a year after tearing multiple knee ligaments, which ended his 2022 season after just four games. Despite this, his inefficiency in 2023 was notable.
Williams’ 3.6 yards per carry in 2023 tied for the second-lowest among players with at least 200 carries, according to Stathead. Only Josh Jacobs, now with the Green Bay Packers, had a worse average. Williams ranked 17th in yards after contact per rush among players with 200 or more carries.
He also ranked 22nd out of 23 in yards before contact per rush.
The Broncos’ offensive line received the fourth-best run-blocking grade from Pro Football Focus for the 2023 season, though their overall rushing grade was 19th.
Williams is in the final year of his four-year, $8.8 million contract, with a $2.8 million cap hit in 2024. However, the Broncos could release him and save over $1.9 million against the cap, according to Spotrac.