The Denver Broncos had a defense heavy draft this offseason and one area they may look to improve is at running back and a trade for LaMichael James or Mark Ingram could be in the cards heading into trading camp, while Peyton Manning is hoping that rookies Cody Latimer and Bradley Roby can win starting jobs on offense and defense to make an impact in 2014 as the team tries to get back to the Spurs Bowl.
The Broncos are happy with Montee Ball taking over the starting job in just his second season, but they need some more depth at the position and more veterans, as four of the five players on the roster are rookies with Ronnie Hillman as the only vet. The team may not want to give up much in deals, but SI.com reports that if the Saints or 49ers are looking to trade Ingram or James, the Broncos would be wise to pick one of them up. The report cites the experience factor as well as the fact that Manning is getting older and could use just a bit more production from the rushing game to help play off the pass.
Last season it clearly wasn't an issue with Manning passing for over 5,000 yards and the team ranked number one in passing, but after losing Knowshon Moreno, it's a lot to toss onto a second year player and Ball was not known for his pass blocking in college or even last season. The team expected to lose Moreno in free agency and while they feel comfortable with Hillman and Ball, it could be a very shrewd move to try and snag one of the running backs. James has been shopped by the 49ers all offseason, while Ingram could be in the mix after the Saints did not pick up his option for a fifth year on his contract.
The Saints may not want to trade Ingram since they already dealt Darren Sproles this offseason, but the team loves what they have in Pierre Thomas and Khiry Robinson and it was likely that Ingram would be the third back on the depth chart anyway after the team did not pick up his fifth year option. Ingram has dealt with injuries over his career with the Saints and he has amassed over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns during his career and while his production overall has not been great, last season he made big strides and had a career day against the Cowboys and also finished the season with nearly 250 yards over the last quarter of the schedule.
Ingram is a polished runner and he could bring some experience to the team, while James could be an explosive option out of the backfield. James has not been able to get onto the field for the Niners behind Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter and now with Carlos Hyde coming in, he likely will not be active for most games if he remains in the Bay Area. James would likely not cost much for the Broncos and he could contribute on special teams as well. The team is hoping that Latimer and Roby can step it up this season as they try to make another Super Bowl run in 2014.
