Denver Broncos 2013 Breakout Player Projections

June 11, 2013; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Montee Ball (38) prepares to catch a football during mini camp drills at the Broncos training facility. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Rookie — Montee Ball, RB

I am really high on Broncos rookie defensive tackle Sylvester Williams, and I think he is going to make a significant impact this year, but you can’t deny all the hype that is coming with Montee Ball. I’ve been scouting Ball since his sophomore year at Wisconsin, where he absolutely blew up toward the end of the year and carried his momentum into his junior season.

With Russell Wilson as the quarterback, Ball exploded to the tune of 40 total touchdowns and nearly 2,000 yards rushing. Ball’s production over the last two seasons led the Broncos to believe that he could be a featured back in the NFL, and so far, he’s getting a ton of positive feedback from teammates, coaches, and media.

Peyton Manning has said the Broncos are going to count on Ball “in a big way” and I think he is going to be a steal where they got him at no. 58 overall. Ball is an explosive back with a nose for the end zone, and he fits what the Broncos are looking to do offensively perfectly. He pairs with Ronnie Hillman perfectly, and I think those two guys are going to form a very solid tandem for the Broncos going forward.

This was a great, aggressive pick by the Broncos, who were looking to replace Willis McGahee this offseason. Ball is the kind of guy who could be a thousand yard back right away, and he grew up as a Broncos fan embracing the tradition of the team. He chose the number 38 because of former Broncos tailback Mike Anderson, who was one of the best rookie running backs the NFL has seen.

Ball knows there is a lot of pressure on his shoulders to perform, and in the Broncos’ talented offense, he can succeed in a big way.