Devontae Booker likes the RB role in the new offense

If things go as planned and all the Broncos’ running backs stay healthy this season, the running game could be considered a “three-headed monster” with C.J. Anderson, Devontae Booker and Jamaal Charles all carrying the rock.

At least that’s how Les Shapiro of The Afternoon Drive sees it.

“Everybody is still stuck in the 80s and wants that one running back. It doesn’t work that way anymore,” Shapiro said, noting that 90 percent of teams in the NFL now are going with running back by committee. “Which is smart because you get battered. They’re hitting you every play.”

Shapiro caught up with Booker after practice Tuesday, and the second-year running back seems to feel that way too.

But mostly the second-year back is feeling a lot more comfortable this season and likes Mike McCoy’s new offense that features a lot of passes to running backs in the backfield - one of Booker’s specialties.

“I’m a lot more comfortable this season, got the new offense, just studying my butt off, been working butt off on the field,” Booker said, adding “if the running back has good hands, they will find ways to get ball to you” with this offense.

As Christopher Hart pointed out in our Broncos’ roster series, Booker’s slow start as a rookie gained momentum near the end as he had 28 total touches for 189 yards and two scores in his final two games. He logged 612 yards rushing over the season, along with 31 catches for 265 yards. He also scored five touchdowns.

“My role will be very different because of my ability to catch in the backfield,” Booker said comparing his role last season. “I like it. It fits off my skill set - good hands in the backfield and run between the tackles as well, possibly get a mismatch on some third downs...I like this offense so far.”

With a pass-happy offense - but one that features a bunch of passes to the running backs - the Broncos’ offense could indeed get a few more of those much-needed mismatches.

The key will be that “three-headed RB monster” staying healthy all season.