Broncos' John Elway Says Saquon Barkley's 2018 NFL Draft Class Is 'Deep' for RBs

The Denver Broncos have the No. 5 pick in the 2018 NFL draft and a need at running back, but they might not reach for Saquon Barkley with other options potentially available later.

"It’s a deep running back class," general manager John Elway said, per Kyle Fredrickson of the Denver Post.

"It’s hard to predict where they’re going to end up, but it is a deep class," he added. "We feel good about the fact that we’ll be able to get a good one."

The Broncos created a hole at the position with the release of five-year veteran C.J. Anderson, the team's leading rusher from last season. No one else on the team finished with more than 300 rushing yards.

While both Devontae Booker and De'Angelo Henderson have potential, both are unproven at this level. Elway indicated he will add another running back to the roster at some point in the draft; the question is when he will pull the trigger.

The player everyone is talking about is Barkley, who is considered by Bleacher Report's Matt Miller to be the top running back and top overall player in the class. There is plenty of uncertainty beyond that and possibly no other first-round selections, but there is depth available between Derrius Guice, Sony Michel, Nick Chubb, Ronald Jones II and more.

Considering last year's third-round picks Alvin Kamara and Kareem Hunt were Pro Bowlers in their first seasons, it's clear you can find an impact running back after Day 1.

With other needs on the offensive line and possibly a quarterback for the future, the Broncos could benefit by waiting on a running back with one of their three Day 2 picks (No. 40, No. 71 and No. 99 overall).