AFC West: Mario Fannin
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How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.
How does each AFC West team look at running back, and what still needs to be done?
Denver Broncos: The Broncos still have Willis McGahee, but he could become a salary-cap casualty. McGahee still runs hard and effectively (he’s averaged 4.4 and 4.8 yards the past two seasons), but this will be his 11th season and he missed six games in 2012. When McGahee went down last year, Knowshon Moreno filled in admirably. But his role is undefined right now after the Broncos used high picks on the position in the past two drafts. They used a second-rounder this year on Montee Ball, which was a win-now type of pick. Ball is a no-nonsense runner who handled a heavy workload in college. He fits this athletic zone scheme quite well, and I just have a hunch that John Elway saw a little of Terrell Davis in Ball when he made that selection. Ronnie Hillman was Denver’s third-round pick in 2012. With his lateral agility, Hillman is unlike any of the top backs on this roster. If he proves himself as a worthy pass protector, Hillman could be a very solid third-down back who also gets snaps on early down-and-distance situations. Lance Ball remains on the roster, but it seems like an uphill climb for him to make the final cut, which is also the case for Mario Fannin and Jeremiah Johnson. Of course, whoever is getting carries for Denver will be aided greatly by Peyton Manning’s fantastic skill of getting Denver in the correct play at the line of scrimmage and exploiting defenses that are playing the pass heavier than the run.
Kansas City Chiefs: Jamaal Charles is a superstar who could even get more productive, especially as a receiver, with Andy Reid as his head coach. As a runner, he is more than just a home run threat, but few are as dangerous as Charles when he gets some daylight. The 26-year-old speedster caught just 35 passes a year ago. That number might double in 2013. Charles is in line for a gigantic season. The Chiefs used an early third-round pick on Knile Davis. There were quite a few backs on the board I would have picked before Davis, but he is a fine combination of speed and size, although injuries and fumbles are major issues for this incoming rookie. Also in the fold are Shaun Draughn and Cyrus Gray, who will have to prove their worth on special teams and in the passing game to stay with the team.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders are going back to a power-run scheme, which suits Darren McFadden better and might get him back on track. But scheme will not help him stay healthy, which is clearly the biggest knock on him to this point. He is still young, and when right, McFadden runs with great aggression to go along with long speed. McFadden also can be a major contributor as a receiver. One of my favorite players in the league is Marcel Reece, who stepped up huge last season with McFadden out of the lineup. Reece does it all. He is equal parts fullback and running back but has extremely soft hands and is an excellent route runner. Every team in the league would love to him on its roster, even though he might never be considered a full-time running back. The Raiders also signed Rashad Jennings, who had a terrible year for Jacksonville in 2012. He, too, struggles to stay on the field, which might open up a prominent spot for Latavius Murray, a sixth-round pick this year. Murray has a rare combination of size and speed, but is very much a work in progress. Look for him to get an opportunity at some point, as McFadden is up for free agency after this season. The Raiders will need to see what they have in Murray.
San Diego Chargers: Ryan Mathews is right there with McFadden as the most maddening and untrustworthy running backs in the NFL. But once again, it looks like Mathews will be getting an opportunity to be San Diego’s foundation back. And there is no questioning his ability, which ranks among the best in the league. At 25, he should be thriving now, even behind San Diego’s poor offensive line. He has missed 10 games in his three seasons as a professional. Surprisingly, the Chargers didn’t bring in another runner as a backup plan if Mathews once again cannot stay on the field. They did add Danny Woodhead, though, who is an excellent all-around player and the type of back the Chargers have not had since Darren Sproles. Expect him to be used as a receiver on many quick-hitting pass plays, which is much easier from a protection standpoint on the Chargers’ suspect offensive line. Mathews is a very good receiver, but questionable in protection, while Woodhead is an excellent receiver but lacks the size to play a ton of snaps. Ronnie Brown was San Diego’s third-down back last year and is highly reliable, although not flashy, particularly in the passing game. Brown, like Mathews, has had a tough time staying healthy.
The Chargers’ preseason opener against Green Bay on Thursday will not be blacked out on local television. The game will be broadcast by ESPN.
The Broncos placed injured running back Mario Fannin on injured reserve. He suffered an Achilles injury Saturday in the team’s scrimmage. The 2011 undrafted free agent missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Talk about tough luck for a talented player.
Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel opened his news briefing Monday by passing condolences along to Philadelphia coach Andy Reid. His son, Garrett, died Sunday morning.
The Denver Post corrected a story about the suspension of tight end Virgil Green being reduced. Green’s four-game suspension will stand.
Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour missed practice Monday with a knee injury. Oakland punter Shane Lechler is at least a week away from returning from a knee injury.
The Broncos placed injured running back Mario Fannin on injured reserve. He suffered an Achilles injury Saturday in the team’s scrimmage. The 2011 undrafted free agent missed all of last season with a torn ACL. Talk about tough luck for a talented player.
Kansas City coach Romeo Crennel opened his news briefing Monday by passing condolences along to Philadelphia coach Andy Reid. His son, Garrett, died Sunday morning.
The Denver Post corrected a story about the suspension of tight end Virgil Green being reduced. Green’s four-game suspension will stand.
Oakland defensive tackle Richard Seymour missed practice Monday with a knee injury. Oakland punter Shane Lechler is at least a week away from returning from a knee injury.
Denver running back Mario Fannin suffered his second major injury in as many NFL training camps. The Denver Post reports Fannin seriously injured his Achilles tendon Saturday at the team’ scrimmage. Last year, Fannin tore his ACL in his knee. The 2011 undrafted free agent has ability, but he just can’t stay healthy.
- Oakland third-string quarterback Terrelle Pryor is dealing with the recent deaths of his father and mentor as he tries to impress the new Oakland regime. Pryor hasn’t gotten a ton of reps and at this point, it would be a big surprise if he supplants Matt Leinart as Oakland’s backup this season.
- The Chargers still need to sell about 3,000 tickets for Thursday night’s preseason opener against Green Bay (it will be televised by ESPN) to avoid a local television blackout.
ENGLEWOOD, Colo. -- Here are some observations from Denver’s second minicamp practice being held on Wednesday:
- It’s interesting to see Peyton Manning operate in quarterback drills when they work as a group. While the other three quarterbacks worked on roll-out passes, Manning acted as a pass-rusher to simulate a game situation. It’s just one of the many ways Manning helps his team.
- Manning aired out some nice passes Wednesday as his progression continues.
- Knowshon Moreno is progressing and doing some seven-on-seven drills as he comes back from his torn ACL.
- Sixth-round pick, linebacker Danny Trevathan continues to look good. He is getting some nickel looks with the first team and could get some playing time if D.J. Williams’ six-game suspension holds up. Trevathan, a tackle machine at Kentucky, is definitely a player to keep an eye on.
- The Quinton Carter-Rahim Moore rotation at safety continued with Moore getting the first-team repetitions Wednesday. It was Carter’s turn Tuesday. Expect the rotation to continue through training camp. In the end I expect both 2011 draft choices to play a lot with free-agent addition Mike Adams.
- Running back Mario Fannin is looking solid as he tries to make the team. A touted undrafted free agent from Auburn last season, Fannin missed his rookie year with a torn ACL.
- Veteran receiver Brandon Stokley still knows how to play football. He has brilliant hands and his routes are flawless. If he can stay healthy, the 35-year-old Stokley can be the slot receiver.
No one has lost more in this post-lockout NFL world than undrafted free agents.
Let’s take a moment and give some attention to the youngsters who face a serious challenge in making a roster. I enlisted Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. to list the top five undrafted free agents in the AFC West. Here are Muench’s thoughts:
1. Kansas City -- Oregon DL Brandon Bair: Bair has the long arms, quickness and bulk to transition from defensive tackle to defensive end in Kansas City’s base three-man front. He’s a hard worker who needs to improve his pad level and hand fighting to realize his potential in this scheme.
2. Kansas City -- Michigan State TE Charlie Gantt: The Chiefs have also done well to give Gantt a look in training camp. Gantt isn’t a game-changer or a dominant in-line blocker but he has the tools to develop into an effective short-to-intermediate target and wall-off blocker.
3. Denver -- Auburn RB Mario Fannin: Fannin put the ball on the ground too much and left too many yards on the field by missing seams at the college level so it came as little surprise that he didn’t get drafted. On the other hand, he could prove to be a steal for Denver. His size/speed blend is impressive and he can contribute on third down -- both as a receiver and as a blocker.
4. San Diego -- Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien: Tolzien doesn’t project as the heir apparent to Philip Rivers in San Diego. He just doesn’t have the frame or arm strength to carry a franchise. Still he’s a strong signing because he has the work ethic, smarts and enough accuracy to develop into an effective backup and Billy Volek is 35 years old.
5. Denver -- Michigan State WR Mark Dell: Dell isn’t going to run away from NFL defenses after the catch or take the top of the coverage. He is however an effective zone buster with the toughness to make plays over the middle. Though he will have a harder time separating from man coverage he has the size and is a savvy enough route runner to produce against sub-package defensive backs. It’s also worth pointing out that Denver signed Fresno State’s Jamel Hamler who could also contribute as a No. 4 or 5 in time.
Let’s take a moment and give some attention to the youngsters who face a serious challenge in making a roster. I enlisted Steve Muench of Scouts Inc. to list the top five undrafted free agents in the AFC West. Here are Muench’s thoughts:
1. Kansas City -- Oregon DL Brandon Bair: Bair has the long arms, quickness and bulk to transition from defensive tackle to defensive end in Kansas City’s base three-man front. He’s a hard worker who needs to improve his pad level and hand fighting to realize his potential in this scheme.
2. Kansas City -- Michigan State TE Charlie Gantt: The Chiefs have also done well to give Gantt a look in training camp. Gantt isn’t a game-changer or a dominant in-line blocker but he has the tools to develop into an effective short-to-intermediate target and wall-off blocker.
3. Denver -- Auburn RB Mario Fannin: Fannin put the ball on the ground too much and left too many yards on the field by missing seams at the college level so it came as little surprise that he didn’t get drafted. On the other hand, he could prove to be a steal for Denver. His size/speed blend is impressive and he can contribute on third down -- both as a receiver and as a blocker.
4. San Diego -- Wisconsin QB Scott Tolzien: Tolzien doesn’t project as the heir apparent to Philip Rivers in San Diego. He just doesn’t have the frame or arm strength to carry a franchise. Still he’s a strong signing because he has the work ethic, smarts and enough accuracy to develop into an effective backup and Billy Volek is 35 years old.
5. Denver -- Michigan State WR Mark Dell: Dell isn’t going to run away from NFL defenses after the catch or take the top of the coverage. He is however an effective zone buster with the toughness to make plays over the middle. Though he will have a harder time separating from man coverage he has the size and is a savvy enough route runner to produce against sub-package defensive backs. It’s also worth pointing out that Denver signed Fresno State’s Jamel Hamler who could also contribute as a No. 4 or 5 in time.
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Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
