Ronnie

Hillman

This serves as a handy reminder for those who may have forgotten about coach John Fox’s veteran fetish, specifically at running back. Per MaxDenver.com, Hillman was the fourth running back up during a late-practice team period on Thursday. While the former San Diego State star is a player to track through training camp, his likeliest 2012 role is change-of-pace back.

The Browns will receive the Nos. 87 and 120 picks in return. The Broncos were believed to be targeting a physical back to share the load with Willis McGahee, but Hillman is an undersized but productive change-of-pace option with excellent vision. Though OC Mike McCoy will use Hillman on outside plays and in the passing game, his pass protection is poor enough that Knowshon Moreno or Lance Ball will handle third-down duties.

“He’s electric,” said Elway. "... He’s got a chance to make that big play. He’s a tough guy, can run between the tackles, too. He’s a great change of pace to what we have.” The Broncos seem to be counting on Willis McGahee to remain their starter. Hillman’s addition may send Knowshon Moreno to the trade block.

Coach John Fox is seeking physicality and durability as much as pure size at tailback. The Denver Post lists Boise State’s Doug Martin, Utah State’s Robert Turbin, Notre Dame’s Jonas Gray, San Diego State’s Ronnie Hillman and Mississippi State’s Vick Ballard as potential targets in next month’s draft.

Despite a mammoth redshirt sophomore campaign, Hillman’s decision was met by groans in the draftnik community. Listed at only 5-foot-10, 190, Hillman is undersized and was underutilized in the Aztecs’ passing game, catching 33 career passes. During his freshman and sophomore seasons, Hillman did combine for 3,243 yards and 36 touchdowns on 573 carries (5.66 YPC). He just turned 20 in September. Hillman told the San Diego Union-Tribune that he received “around” a third-round grade from the NFL Draft Advisory Board.

Both injuries appear to be minor, but may be enough to slow their early-camp momentum. Decker was in uniform, but was limited to individual work. He should be back to team drills shortly.

Hillman was going to play in Saturday’s game against the Seahawks before aggravating his injury last Tuesday. Hillman opened camp with a shot at third-down duties, but he’s going to have to play and impress against the 49ers to have a chance at opening the season with a meaningful role on offense.

Hillman is ready to roll for Sunday’s opener after rushing for 97 yards on 24 carries in Denver’s final two preseason games. Hillman’s role will likely be small to open the season, but he could eventually establish himself as Denver’s primary third-down back. He’s fourth on the depth chart at the moment.

Williamson astutely points out that Hillman is a better fit than McGahee in Peyton Manning’s Colts-style stretch running game. While Hillman has the talent for a speedy depth-chart ascension, he could start training camp behind McGahee, Lance Ball, Knowshon Moreno, and Mario Fannin. Considering John Fox’s reluctance to feature rookies in major roles, Hillman is facing an uphill battle for more than change-of-pace duties.

Although Hillman had a strong offseason, he opened training camp behind the likes of Lance Ball and Mario Fannin. It’s quite possible that veteran-loving head coach John Fox is simply making Hillman earn his stripes before landing the No. 2 role. Fox is clearly a fan however: “He’s explosive. We like what we’ve seen so far. We targeted him and we think he will be able to help us.”