Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime only handled five carries in the team's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Empower Field and gained 18 yards (3.6 yards per rush), but he found the end zone for one of two Denver rushing scores in the 38-12 victory. Estime also caught his only target for a 14-yard pickup. Blake Watson led the backfield with 11 carries for 38 yards while also catching his only target for eight yards. The 20-year-old Estime got the start in this one and only played on one drive. If Samaje Perine makes Denver's final 53-man roster, Estime will likely begin his first season in the NFL as Denver's RB4 behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Perine. Estime is a physical, between-the-tackles runner and could be utilized in specific short-yardage and goal-line situations, but he can likely be left alone in 12-team fantasy leagues for now.
Broncos View Audric Estime As Eventual Three-Down Back
The Denver Broncos believe that running back Audric Estime can become a three-down back following some development, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Specifically, the team would like to see him "smooth out some rough edges as a receiver and get more consistent in pass protection" before deploying him on a three-down basis. Estime ran for 1,341 yards during his final season at Notre Dame, adding 18 touchdowns and another 142 yards through the air. With Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin also pushing for touches, it's unclear exactly how the Broncos will use their running backs to start the season. Estime will certainly carve out a role, though.
Audric Estime Paces Broncos Backfield Against Colts
Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime's got the most work of any of the team's RBs in the preseason opener on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts. Estime led the backfield with 10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdowns while also catching all three of his targets for 13 yards in the passing game. The 20-year-old also lost a fumble, but he currently appears to be Denver's RB3 ahead of veteran Samaje Perine, who didn't see a single carry and dropped his only target, which led to an interception, despite being the fourth RB in the game behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Perine. The fifth-rounder should be part of Denver's opening-day roster and is probably the biggest threat to Williams' early-down touches in 2024. However, it will probably take an injury to Williams for Estime to be worth rostering in standard-sized fantasy leagues.
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime was not included on the PUP list on the first day of training camp according to Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post. The rookie back missed most of the summer with a knee issue but was expected to be ready to go by the start of training camp. Now, he's officially received the green light and will be on the field at practice. Estime will have a position battle with Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin, so he has his work cut out for him. His relevance in non-dynasty fantasy leagues will depend on how training camp and preseason turn out.
Audric Estime Expected To Be "Full-Go" For Training Camp
Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.
Denver Broncos running back Audric Estime (knee) underwent a precautionary knee scope for an injury he suffered last week, according to NFL.com. Although it's not ideal for the rookie Notre Dame product to get banged up early in his career, the injury is not serious, and he is expected to be ready for training camp later this summer. Following Estime's final season in college which included 1,483 yards from scrimmage and 18 touchdowns, some viewed him as a top running back in the 2024 class. However, his 4.71 40-yard dash time at the NFL combine likely led to him falling to Day 3. Either way, he could carve out a role in Sean Payton's offense right away as a short-yardage and goal-line back behind Javonte Williams.
Denver Broncos running back Javonte Williams will be the team's unquestioned lead back in 2024 if he's healthy, and the team is hopeful he'll more closely resemble the RB who rushed for 903 yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season. However, rookie Audric Estime, who was taken in the fifth round of this year's draft out of Notre Dame, could quickly put himself in the mix in 2024. He had limited wear and tear in college and could be the goal-line answer in the backfield that the Broncos missed in 2023. The 20-year-old stands at 5-foot-11, 221 pounds and is a powerful and physical runner. He had 1,341 rushing yards and 18 touchdowns for the Fighting Irish in 2023 on 210 carries. At best, Estime might be a touchdown-dependent, goal-line guy, but he's a long shot to carve out much fantasy value as long as both Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin stay healthy.
Despite having Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin on the roster, the Denver Broncos selected former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 221-pound bruiser likely saw his stock fall after posting a 4.71 forty-yard dash time at the NFL combine, but Sean Payton and company stopped the fall. In a media availability after the draft, Payton called Estime a " first and second-down runner" with experience in a pro-style offense. With Williams posting just 3.6 yards per carry last season and Perine having a limited role, Estime could be in play for early-down work right away as a rookie. His fantasy upside will be limited, but any role as a fifth-round rookie would mean exceeding expectations.
Former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime is an intriguing prospect in this April's draft class, but his 4.71 40-yard dash at the 2024 NFL Combine was a concerning sign for his stock. However, NFL scouts clocked him between a 4.56 and 4.59 40-time at the school's Pro Day. While most NFL teams might rely on the laser time at the combine, his improved run can only help his status and draft value. Estime rushed 210 times for 1,341 yards and caught 17 passes for 142 yards in 2023 to go along with 18 total touchdowns in his final season with the Irish. The 221-pounder is a physical runner with burst and strength, but his speed concerns could make him fall into the late rounds next month. He will likely be a second or third-round selection in upcoming rookie dynasty drafts.
