The signs — some more subtle than others — have been there since April 30, 2016, when the Broncos “felt very lucky” after selecting Utah running back Devontae Booker in the fourth round of the draft.
“We didn’t think he’d be there in the bottom of the fourth,” general manager John Elway said that day. “To be able to get him, a guy that we had second on our board at that position — I think he dropped because of some issues with his knee.”
Shortly after Vance Joseph was hired in January, assistant head coach/running backs Eric Studesville told a handful of reporters he expected a significant Year 2 leap from Booker after he led the team in carries (174) and rushing yards (612) as a rookie.