The Denver Broncos are apparently going forward with the three healthy running backs they have for the rest of the 2025 season, but could the team add another running back in next year's draft?
Though the Broncos could still add a running back who is available at any point during this season, the fact that the team hasn't done so already following the foot injury suffered by J.K. Dobbins is a questionable decision. The loss of Dobbins is one that could be problematic down the stretch this season.
Dobbins will be an unrestricted free agent following the season, but even if the Broncos choose to give him a new contract, a better contingency plan should be developed.
The Broncos have rookie RJ Harvey and he has created several dynamic plays for the team this season. He is a tremendous receiving running back and that helped him be selected in the second round of this year's draft. Behind him, the Broncos have Jaleel McLaughlin (5-foot-7, 187 pounds) and Tyler Badie (5-foot-8, 197 pounds). The team needs a bigger, between-the-tackles runner who can grind out tough yards.
While Dobbins can handle that role, he hasn't played a full season in his entire career. The Broncos will need more at the position and the Penn State Nittany Lions may have the answer.
Kaytron Allen is a senior running back for the school who is having a big season, even if the team has fallen well short of expectations.
Allen was a four-star recruit out of high school who had offers from several major schools, including Alabama, Georgia, Miami, Tennessee, Florida, USC and Ohio State. He settled on Penn State, where he has posted consistent numbers for the team.
He played in 13 games as a freshman and rushed for 867 yards. His numbers have increased each season and this year, he has gained 1,077 yards on the ground and scored 14 touchdowns with one game still to play. Earlier this season, he became the school's all-time leading rusher, breaking the mark set by Evan Royster from 2007-10. He trails only Saquon Barkley and his current teammate, Nic Singleton, on the all-time rushing touchdowns list.
Watching film on Kaytron Allen, and man, he’s just steady! His career has been so consistent. I have him graded higher than his teammate Singleton.
— Full-Time Dame 💰 (@DP_NFL) November 18, 2025
Allen has the look of a solid starting RB!Pic.twitter.com/gItikrZv60
Allen is 5-foot-11 and weighs around 220 pounds, much bigger than either McLaughlin or Badie, but he doesn't give away much speed or athleticism with that size. That's what makes him a more intriguing pro prospect than Singleton.
In Denver, he could slide into Sean Payton's offense seamlessly, regardless of who the Broncos carry over into next season from their current stable of backs.
Allen runs with a purpose. He shows great burst and terrific vision, combined with an above-average level of patience to let blocks develop in front of him. But where he may thrive the most is in those short-yardage and goal-line situations where the Broncos need a consistent option. Drafting Allen would be what the team wanted to get out of Audric Estime, just with much more talent.
Best of all, the Broncos could likely get him in the third or fourth round of next year's draft.
READ: Broncos vs. Commanders Week 13 expert picks
There is a lot of time between now and next April's draft and so many things can happen between now and then. But for those of you who like to keep notes on prospects and potential future Broncos, Allen's is a name to remember.
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