Sleeper Watch

The Denver Broncos are known for making top notch fantasy running backs, especially in their rookie years. During their rookie seasons, here is how the Denver Broncos’ running backs have faired. Terrell Davis (drafted in round six) finished as the 12th best running back, Olandis Gary (drafted in round four) finished as the 14th beset running back, Mike Anderson (drafted in round six) finished as the fourth best running back, Clinton Portis (drafted in round two) finished as fourth best running back, and Reuben Droughns (drafted in round three) finished as 14th best running back, when he was given his first chance to start. The next in line with the potential to continue this trend of great production out of Denver’s rookie running backs, is Mike Bell.

Mike Bell was an undrafted free agent signed by the Broncos over the summer. In his three year career at Arizona, he put up a very respectable total of 3,151 total yards, and at least 5 touchdowns every season. He also had a respectable 4.8 YPC, so he’s not just some bum off the street that the Broncos just signed for camp.

Bell started training camp behind the likes of Ron Dayne, Tatum Bell, and Cedric Cobbs. He recently skyrocketed to the top of the depth chart, and is now the number one running back for the Broncos. Coach Shanahan early in training camp praised Mike Bell. “You just have to evaluate who you think is the most effective for your team.” “Mike’s having a heck of a camp,” Shanahan said. “He really has stepped up and been very impressive.” Also, Shanahan recently stated, “We set the depth chart last night, and we moved Mike (Bell) up to first, Tatum (Bell) to second, and Ron (Dayne) to third, and that was just based on the last 25 practices. It was very close, and it could change day by day, week by week, but we felt that Mike deserves a chance to work with the first team, and to take a look-see if we can keep him.” Mike Bell is expected to start the Broncos’ first preseason game against the Lions.

To look at the kind of potential Mike Bell has, look no further than the Denver’s running game the past ten years. The Broncos have finished in the top five in rushing yards eight of the ten seasons, top ten in rushing yards nine of the ten seasons, and top fifteen in each of the past ten seasons. So as you can see, the Broncos have a dominating running game, and even through all of the changes the past ten years and all of the rookies, with their offensive line (that have perfected the zone blocking scheme) and game plan, they always put up great rushing stats. You also may wonder if you have to worry about the dreaded running back by committee, but over the years, Shanahan has shown the top running back will get most of the carries, and therefore most of the fantasy points. Over the same time span, the Broncos have finished with a fantasy running back scoring in the top five six times, and top fifteen nine times. The only one time a running back finished outside the top fifteen, was on the injury riddled 2001 team.

CAUTION: Mike Bell is the ultimate boom or bust fantasy player. If he keeps his job in the Broncos’ system, he could be a starting fantasy caliber player, but he could also easily be pushed way down on the depth chart and never see any action this year. Don’t go out and spend a top pick on this guy just because other running backs have had success in the system, but if you can take a late round flier, or better yet pick him up off the waiver wire, don’t hesitate because you will be losing almost nothing, and possibly gaining the latest stud Broncos’ running back.

(4 votes, average: 4 out of 5)  Loading ... Questions or comments for Colin? Post them in the Cafe Forums! Want to see your own fantasy wisdom published? Check out the Cafe's Pencil & Paper section!