Broncos take RB Audric Estime in 5th round

The Denver Broncos selected Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft, No. 147 overall.

Estime rushed for 1,341 yards and 18 touchdowns on 210 carries in 2023. He also had a productive campaign in 2022 with 920 yards and 11 scores.

He'll be part of a crowded Broncos backfield that also includes Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine.

Pre-draft profile

Estime's draft stock took a big hit when he ran a 4.71 at the combine. We should be careful to not overrate long speed for running backs, though. Would it be nice if he had breakaway potential? Of course. But other traits are far more important at this position. Estime runs with the physicality to match his size, the contact balance to shake off tackle attempts, and the vision to read out plays between the tackles. The relative lack of burst could very well limit his upside at the next level, but teams that want to run the ball consistently between the tackles will value his skill set on early downs.