Knowshon Moreno

Moreno set career-highs in practically every category while taking handoffs from Peyton Manning with the Broncos last year, but they let the Dolphins sign him away. The former 12th overall pick isn't a gamebreaker by any means, but when healthy, he's a legitimate three-down back who's shown good receiving skills and proved to be a reliable weapon at the goal line last season. Though he suffered some rib and back ailments in last year's playoffs, it was hoped that he had put his previous knee issues behind him, but that idea was dashed in June, when it was reported that he'd have his left knee scoped. Once he returns to the field, Moreno will compete with Lamar Miller (and Daniel Thomas to a lesser degree) for work in the Dolphins' backfield. In addition to his health, another thing to consider is his new team context. Naturally, the Dolphins don't have nearly as prolific an offense as Denver does, so even in a scenario in which he emerges as the team's top back, it's hard to expect Moreno will approach last year's nearly 1,600 yards from scrimmage, never mind the 13 touchdowns. Miami had well-publicized internal issues with its offensive line last year, but did spend two high draft picks in an effort to rebuild there – a move that can only benefit Moreno and company.

When Willis McGahee injured his knee in Week 10 last year, Moreno was trusted over rookie Ronnie Hillman to handle the starting job, largely because of his ability to pass block. Moreno saw a huge workload (130 carries, 20 receptions) over the final six games and translated those opportunities into 665 total yards and three touchdowns. His season ended, though, with a knee injury in the playoffs, and after a subsequent arthroscopic procedure (on the same knee that suffered a torn ACL in 2011), Moreno's status for this year is uncertain. At press time, he's been limited in team minicamps, but Willis McGahee's release bodes well for Moreno winning a roster spot. Even if Moreno makes the team, second-round pick Montee Ball is the heavy favorite to be the Broncos' lead back, however.

Moreno is recovering from a torn ACL sustained in November but he's doing all that he can to return for training camp. However, the team will likely put him on the PUP list, pushing his 2012 start to Week 7. What awaits him at that time is likely a backup role behind Willis McGahee and possibly also Ronnie Hillman. Moreno has been a very disappointing player for the Broncos ever since they took him with the 12th overall pick in the 2009 draft. With plenty of competition for touches, Moreno may need to go elsewhere to try to resurrect his career.

Moreno has underwhelmed since being taken with the No. 12 pick in the 2009 draft, as he’s yet to reach 1,000 yards rushing in either of his two years in the league and boasts a modest 4.0 YPC mark. Although he’s missed just three games over that span, injuries have limited him in many others, so durability is a concern. Injuries can’t totally be blamed, however, as he’s simply not a special back even when healthy. Moreno has recorded just five carries for 20-plus yards during his career and not one for 40-plus. His YPC after contact (2.5) last season tied for 36th in the NFL. Despite a new regime in Denver, the team didn’t address the running back situation in the draft, and new VP of football operations John Elway has already stated he hopes it’s Moreno’s “breakout year,” so Moreno is once again slated to be the Broncos’ feature back. If Moreno can stay healthy, he doesn’t need to be special to have plenty of fantasy value while getting consistent early down work and catching passes. One thing to look out for: a possible goal-line timeshare with newly acquired Willis McGahee.

Moreno totaled 1,160 yards with nine scores during his rookie season, though that was accompanied by a paltry 3.8 YPC mark and four lost fumbles. He entered in a tough spot though, having missed some time in training camp due to a holdout and then suffering a sprained MCL in the preseason. After a strong stretch in the middle of the season, Moreno wore down, averaging just 2.7 YPC over the final four contests — not uncommon for a rookie back. Moreno isn’t flashy and doesn’t excel in any particular area, but he’s solid everywhere, including as a receiver. Coach Josh McDaniels has a history of using committees in the backfield, so Correll Buckhalter should remain in the mix. Buckhalter (5.4 YPC) was more effective than Moreno last year, but he’ll turn 32 this season and was given just three goal-line attempts compared to Moreno’s 14, tied for the 11th most in the league. Moreno should enter 2010 better prepared for a full 16-game slate and past his knee injury, and as a skilled receiver who should dominate goal-line work, could prove to be a nice value pick.

Moreno totaled 1,792 yards with 18 touchdowns as a redshirt sophomore last year for Georgia with 5.6 YPC, much of the time against tough SEC defenses. He’s a complete back – a capable blocker and good receiver. He lacks tremendous speed, running a 4.62 40, but Moreno is an instinctive back whose cutback ability should fit perfectly in Denver. He rarely goes down at first contact and has the strength to be effective between the tackles. Despite glaring needs on defense, the Broncos selected Moreno with the 12th pick in the draft. There are plenty of other names on the Broncos’ RB depth chart, but none are exciting options, and it’s doubtful it would use such a high pick on someone who won’t play immediately. In fact, McDaniels has already referred to Moreno as an “every down back,” complimenting his ability in pass protection. The loss of Jay Cutler certainly hurts, but the Broncos have a good offensive line – the team got 4.8 YPC last season, the second highest in the NFL, despite deploying a below average running back crop. And even though Kyle Orton significantly downgrades the QB position, opposing defenses will still have to deal with Brandon Marshall, Eddie Royal and McDaniels’ productive offensive system, so Moreno should have ample room to run.