Denver Broncos to Watch in Training Camp: RB Kapri Bibbs

Earlier this month, the Denver Broncos unveiled their schedule for training camp. Things kick off at Dove Valley on July 31, and the fans will get to watch the Broncos at their new facility. Last year, training camp was closed to the public as team headquarters underwent a massive construction project.

The Broncos have a ton of talent on both sides of the ball. It will be a difficult process to find the best 53-man roster possible—and it will take most of the month of August to do so.

There will be positional battles at multiple spots as the Broncos establish their depth chart for the 2015 season. This pecking order will largely be determined by a player’s performance in training camp.

In this edition of “Broncos To Watch in Training Camp,” we take a look at second-year running back Kapri Bibbs.

The College Career

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Bibbs played only one season of college football at Colorado State—but oh what a season it was! In 2013, Bibbs rushed for a school record 1,741 yards and also snared another school record with 31 rushing touchdowns.

Only three backs in FBS history have had 30 or more rushing touchdowns in a season. Bibbs joined now-teammate Montee Ball (Wisconsin) and Barry Sanders (Oklahoma State) as the only running backs to hit that number.

Bibbs proved that he can get stronger as games (and the season) wear on.

Carries	Yards	YPC	TD	Receptions	Yards	TD
281	1,741	6.2	31	8	59	0

During Colorado State’s first six games, Bibbs averaged 10.8 carries for 71.5 rushing yards. Over the final eight games of the 2013 season, Bibbs averaged 27 carries for 164 yards per game. His rushing total of 1,741 yards was good for fifth-best in the nation.

Rookie Season

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The Broncos were able to acquire Bibbs as an undrafted free agent in 2014. With his back against the wall as a college free agent, Bibbs did his best to consistently prove himself with every chance he received.

Bibbs was a standout player in training camp and the preseason for the Broncos.

During training camp, Bibbs looked like the same player he was at Colorado State. He ran with great balance and vision, plus he did a good job of picking up yards after contact. Making speed cuts are not a problem for Bibbs, and he doesn’t have to gather himself before a change of direction if necessary. This skill complements his efficient style as a runner.

Bibbs also looked smooth as a receiver out of the backfield. With only eight receptions during his college career, catching the ball was a big question mark for Bibbs entering camp. He answered any doubters with his hands and swiftness after the catch.

During the preseason, Bibbs continued to show well.

Opponent	Carries	Yards	YPC	TD	Long
vs. Seattle Seahawks	4	18	4.5	1	14
at San Francisco 49ers	4	10	2.5	0	11
vs. Houston Texans	4	24	6.0	0	9
at Dallas Cowboys	7	32	4.6	2	9

It’s unknown, but there’s a good bet that Bibbs was one of the last players on the Broncos cut list last season. The team must’ve felt strongly that they could sneak him through to the practice squad, and that’s what they did.

On the practice squad, Bibbs still looked good on the field during the limited time open to the media during the week.

Positives

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The first positive to note about Bibbs is his nose for the end zone. Finding paydirt is not a problem for Bibbs, and he knows how to push or juke his way for six points. Bibbs has a strong lower body, and he can push forward when others would be stuffed at the line of scrimmage. He’s also capable of “getting skinny” between the tackles in order to knife his way for a touchdown.

Bibbs has plenty of toughness, and he’ll fight while the game is on the line. During the New Mexico Bowl, Bibbs ripped off a 75-yard touchdown run as the Rams clawed back from 22 points down to win the game. He ended up with 169 rushing yards on the day—all this while dealing with a turf toe injury that would plague him during the pre-draft process.

He doesn’t waste motion when toting the rock. Bibbs is careful and precise with his movement, thus making him a dangerous runner with only the slightest bit of daylight. He’ll patiently wait for his blocks to develop in front of him, all the while looking for a cutback lane to open up.

Negatives

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Bibbs has done a good job of improving the areas of need in his game. However, there are still a few limitations to his skill set.

While quick, Bibbs is not a speed demon—never has been, and likely never will be. He doesn’t have the speed to pull away from defenders at the NFL level, and this limits his ability to have field-flipping plays.

He seems to be more than capable as a receiver, but Bibbs still needs to refine his pass-protection ability. Protecting your quarterback is imperative for a young running back who wants playing time—especially when your quarterback is 39-year-old future Hall of Famer Peyton Manning. Bibbs does a good job in backs-on-backers drills during practice, but he must translate that success to the playing field in the preseason.

What to Watch For

David Zalubowski/Associated Press

The zone-blocking system the Broncos have implemented this year is perfect for a back like Bibbs. Already this offseason during minicamp and OTAs, Bibbs looks better than ever. With a standout training camp, Bibbs could make a serious push for the final roster.

C.J. Anderson is the team’s starter, with Montee Ball backing him up (and trying his best to get the starting job back). Both of those backs are likely “locks” for the 53-man roster.

Juwan Thompson is a valuable asset who can shine as a runner, blocking fullback or receiver out of the backfield. His all-purpose skill set makes him a near “lock” for the team as well.

Ronnie Hillman may be the man Bibbs has to beat out for a spot on the roster. While Bibbs has a perfect skill set for the zone-blocking system, Hillman is a bit of an odd fit. Hillman is much faster than Bibbs, but he doesn’t protect the ball as well and seems to dance too much in the backfield.

If Hillman were to stumble again in the preseason as he did two years ago (three fumbles, two returned for touchdowns), then Bibbs could be primed to take over.

The Broncos could use Hillman’s speed as a change-of-pace runner. However, the efficient style of Bibbs might serve their new offense better.

The running back position is jam-packed with talent in Denver. Bibbs is certainly a player to watch.

All quotes and injury/practice observations obtained firsthand. Record/statistical information provided via the Broncos' media department unless otherwise noted. Advanced stats via ESPN's employees-only database.

Contract and salary-cap information provided by Spotrac. Transaction history provided by Pro Sports Transactions.