Key Takeaways
– Denver Broncos choose Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé in the 2024 NFL draft.
– Broncos’ veteran Javonte Williams deemed potentially superfluous following newcomer addition.
– Sports writer suggests Dallas Cowboys should swap Williams for late-draft pick owing to their running back position need.
– Williams’ future at the Broncos is uncertain as he could be facing a trade.
In an unexpected move in the 2024 NFL draft’s fifth round, the Denver Broncos enlisted former Notre Dame running back Audric Estimé. This decision challenges the team’s backfield stability and leaves the future of veteran Javonte Williams hanging in the balance.
Potential Trade to the Dallas Cowboys
Following this addition to the Broncos’ line-up, renowned sports writer Brian Martin, from SB Nation site Blogging the Boys, proposed a potentially beneficial trade. He advocated for the Dallas Cowboys to consider Williams as a significant upgrade to their current running back roster.
In his April 29 article, Martin underlined the Dallas Cowboys’ critical need for a running back and suggested that the team could offer a late-draft pick in 2025 to secure Williams. He labeled Williams, with his agile abilities and unwavering power, an ideal fit for their team.
Slot Left by Tony Pollard
This proposed switch becomes particularly relevant when considering the recent departure of Cowboys’ star player Tony Pollard, who moved to the Tennessee Titans. The team has Ezekiel Elliott and Royce Freeman as veterans, but their other players, Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn, remain unproven in the league.
Williams’ Future in Question
Amid this speculation, the destiny of Williams remains unanswered. As he enters his contract’s final years, the larger question of whether coach Sean Payton would consider trading Williams looms large. If Payton does decide to trade him, Martin suggests that the Cowboys should closely monitor Williams’ availability.
Following his recovering from a severe knee injury, Williams delivered a solid performance in 2023. However, sports analyst Dylan Von Arx expressed concern about his future at the Broncos and placed him on the list of players to watch out for after the draft.
Williams’ Rival at Broncos
As per Arx’s view, Estimé’s entry has brought to the fore a notable similarity in style between him and Williams. Given his major injury and his expiring contract, he suggested that Williams’ time at Broncos might be nearing its end.
Despite this, there is hope for Williams. The Broncos have a diverse set of running backs, and therein lies a dilemma. Where does Williams fit in this dynamic? This largely depends on how the Broncos and Payton handle this mix.
Estimé Enhances the Brigade
Estimé, though a fifth-round pick, brings a credible legacy to the field. With a commendable career at the Fighting Irish and a record of 1,341 yards in 12 starts in his final college year, the star player holds decent promise.
This dilemma makes the upcoming season crucial for Williams. To secure his place at the Broncos, he must stay in top health and deliver eye-catching performances.