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Denver Broncos running backs Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon ended the 2021 season with 203 carries each. Few backfields employed a true 50/50 split, but Denver kept it even between the two last season.
Fantasy managers thought Gordon was gone this offseason, and the Broncos did not even add another back during the NFL Draft to compliment Williams. The second-year back's average draft position skyrocketed, only to come crashing down once Denver brought Gordon back on a one-year deal.
With both backs now fighting for snaps and a new offensive scheme coming with head coach Nathaniel Hackett leading the charge, how will these two backs rotate onto the field?
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Is Javonte Williams or Melvin Gordon the RB1 of the Broncos?
While Denver brought Gordon back to bolster their backfield, Williams will be the team's starter. Training camp reports have been all over the place, but it seems most likely to be closer to a 70/30 percent split, with Williams getting most of the carries over Gordon.
It's been two days at #Broncos camp and we have conflicting "reports" on the Javonte Williams vs. Melvin Gordon battle. pic.twitter.com/LKd9DZNZPz
— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) July 29, 2022
With Gordon on a low-money one-year contract, it makes sense that he would not receive half of the carries as he did in 2021. Williams is a much more explosive back than Gordon at this stage of his career. The target share for these two was a bit wider of a gap, with Williams receiving 53 compared to Gordon's 38. That gap should get wider as well.
Are Javonte Williams and Melvin Gordon Good Draft Picks?
Javonte Williams is currently being drafted as the 10th RB off the board in the middle of the second round. While he is slated to get a more significant workload, he does carry some risk. Gordon will see fewer carries, but he has not scored fewer than eight rushing touchdowns since his rookie season in 2015.
It is unknown if the Broncos will use Gordon more than Williams when they are on the goal line, but it is safe to assume Gordon will vulture a few touchdowns away from the young back. Williams is a solid second-round pick but is a much safer RB2 than RB1 for fantasy rosters.
Melvin Gordon (RB, WAS) - 2022 Fantasy Football Draft Values https://t.co/raTSLUZRPC by @AdamKoffler
— RotoBaller (@RotoBaller) August 31, 2022
Gordon is currently being drafted as the RB39 overall in the top of the 10th round. The veteran should be considered a weekly flex option due to his touchdown upside and carries value as an immediate top 24 option if Williams were to go down.
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