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Running backs taking a look at Broncos

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published February 26, 2009 at 11:40 p.m.

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The Broncos jumped into free agency Thursday night by setting up visits today with a pair of running backs.

The team, as yet, hasn't reached agreements with Arizona's J.J. Arrington or Philadelphia's Correll Buckhalter, according to John Rickert, who represents both players.

But "the situation interests us the most right now," and no other current visits are planned, Rickert said.

Buckhalter has served primarily as Bryant Westbrook's backup with the Eagles. His career has been plagued by a series of knee injuries. He missed the 2002, 2004 and 2005 seasons.

He carried 76 times for 369yards and two touchdowns last season, while adding 26catches and two more scores.

"In Correll's case, he's looking for an opportunity to start," Rickert said. "I think if he gets that opportunity here, I think he'll make the most of it."

Arrington also served mainly as a reserve for NFC champion Arizona. A second-round pick in 2005, he played behind Tim Hightower and Edgerrin James for the Cardinals. He caught two passes for 35 yards in Super Bowl XLIII.

In his four seasons, he has rushed 183 times for 654 yards but has caught 91 balls, making him a prospective third-down option. Arrington can also help in the return game. He's averaged 23.6 yards on 58 kick returns in his career.

"J.J. can be a playmaker — explosive. He showed a glimpse of that in the Super Bowl, particularly in the fourth quarter, with his big catch and run. He sees it as a possible chance to bring those skills there."

The Broncos placed eight running backs on injured reserve last season. The top two prospects returning are Peyton Hillis, a converted fullback, and Ryan Torain, a second-year player. Both ended the season on injured reserve.

Comments

  • February 27, 2009

    1:50 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    telews00 writes:

    JJ Arrington and Correll Buckhalter!?!?! OMG. Super Bowl here we come!!!

  • February 27, 2009

    2:41 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    csloan999 writes:

    I think we're looking for guys who can run screen plays or return kicks. These guys both fit that mold. I obviously don't think they're being considered as every-down backs.

    And before everyone starts freaking out, we only know about these two because they share the same agent who is apparently a blabbermouth -- I'm sure there's plenty of other free agents being contacted right now that we just haven't heard about yet (see: Renaldo Hill, S, Miami).

  • February 27, 2009

    2:48 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    oc60 writes:

    Sign JJ Arrington, he can be a possible starter under Bobby Turner's guidance, and a great 3rd down back. JJ under-achieved at Arizona but I believe he can help Cutler with those out let passes. He's a stud and can be very effective and durable along with Hillis. In case Torain can't make it back 100%!

  • February 27, 2009

    4:31 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    voicewithin writes:

    If McDaniels makes either of these a Bronco this is a sign that our season could be wores than the 6 and 10 I predicted on 01-15-09. Neither are worth a roster spot if the Bronco's want to improve.

    Broncos Blog: http://ibelievethis.us/bronco's/

  • February 27, 2009

    4:44 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoBrad writes:

    JJ would be great with me, but forget Buckhalter. The guy is great when he is on the field, but that is the problem. He can't stay on the field. We don't want another season of 7 or 8 backs on IR again. If you want to see how his knee will hold up, fly him to Denver and make him run back to Philly. Then we'll talk.

    Everyone can forget about any chance of bringing Albert in, not that the Bronc's were considering it. He signed a monster contract with the Skins.

  • February 27, 2009

    5:01 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoJones writes:

    I agree, Arrington as a 3rd down back-but forget Buckhalter. Now...as for defensive free agents...

  • February 27, 2009

    8:11 a.m.

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    BroncoBrad writes:

    Just thought I'd let you know that ESPN insider (apparently free today) is reporting that Denver is the leading cantidate to land Ray Lewis. Thought you'd all like to know that if you hadn't heard.

  • February 27, 2009

    10:55 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    azbronco writes:

    Now that is what I was talking about last week. Lewis is a big time leader on the field and it will do our defense well to have such a strong personality setting the attitude that they are going to tear someones head off...

    Pair him with Larson, DJ Williams, whoever else and all of our linebackers will have guidance of how the position and preparation is done in thier positions.

    Add Lewis, some beef up front, a couple hitting safeties and another respectable corner and our defense is looking alot better.

    I will be so happy if they get him!! We have missed such a presence the past couple of years since we lost Al Wilson. DJ Williams is fast and a decent player but his leadership skills especially vocal are lacking. We need a Man to lead our boys..

  • February 27, 2009

    11:37 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    scgoff writes:

    Only problem is Lewis' skills have diminished. ESPN did a video breakdown of his play. He is not the same Lewis as of a couple of years ago.

  • February 27, 2009

    11:56 a.m.

    Suggest removal

    canesnick writes:

    Ray Lewis at 80% is better that the majority of linebackers in the league!! Anyone who thinks it wouldn't be a good thing to bring him in is crazy!!! That in itself would change our defense, that's even without the draft...we need a proven leader and this guy is as good as they come...I love it!!!
    JJ and Buckhalter would both be great fits for our offense...remember we will be running the Pats offense...and we need backs who can catch screen passes and make big plays that way...we would be lucky to get either one of these guys and remember they'd come at a good price!

  • February 27, 2009

    12:09 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoBrad writes:

    canesnick, you can only catch passes if you are on the field. Buckhalter has not been healthy. He can stay in Philly for all I care. I would be disappointed if we sign a guy like that after last year's injury woes in the backfield. That would shed a serious clowd of concern over our new administration's ability to make good personnel decisions.

  • February 27, 2009

    12:14 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    6_is_the_new_7 writes:

    BB
    did you get the invite to dehag's site? It's looking pretty good.

  • February 27, 2009

    12:44 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    BroncoBrad writes:

    6_is_the_new_7,

    No I didn't get it. Can you pass it along? I hope I'm not missing anything good.

  • February 27, 2009

    12:54 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    azbronco writes:

    JJ is young and has a lot of upside as well as return abilities. Buckhalter would have to come cheap since he is a never has been and can't stay healthy as a carrier backup? I would believe that perhaps Denver contacted thier mutual agent inquiring about JJ and thier agent said well what do you think about this other guy I also represent. He would now be able to present that Denver might be interested in both which could change price that potential suiters might offer.

    I agree, I would be disapointed if we are going after more broken down backs. Esp after last season.

  • February 27, 2009

    1:53 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    RedneckBronco writes:

    Regardless of how affective Ray Lewis is comparing with his early years, he WILL help the Broncos defense as he has been an excellent leader in Baltimore, and I totally agree with canesnick, Ray Lewis minus 25% is still better than most of the guys playing the same position in the league, and 100% better than whoever played that position last year for the Broncs.

    As for RB, I like the idea of employing JJ, but definitely not Buckhalter, who is an injured prong.

  • February 27, 2009

    5:04 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    oc60 writes:

    Not only can Ray Lewis still play but his leadership is what has been lacking ever since Al Wilson left the team. I seriously doubt Lewis is on the radar screen but if he is I'm all for him coming, the players around him will over-achieve making the D 100% better. I also think JJ Arrington would be a great fit as the back coming out of the back field for passing downs and also for returning kick offs. Eddie Royal needs to save his energy for receiving plays. He was over used towards the end of last season and you could see it but he was still very success. Now this will be my last post here at RMN... Good luck to all in finding another place to blog... http://www.milehighreport.com/

  • February 27, 2009

    7:16 p.m.

    Suggest removal

    DrChris writes:

    Sadly this will be my last ever comment on the RMN. We will miss you :(