Broncos Wire‘s 90-man offseason roster series continues today with a look at sixth-year running back J.K. Dobbins, No. 27 on offense.
Note: During the offseason, offensive and defensive players can share a number. Dobbins is currently sharing No. 27 with cornerback Damarri Mathis. If they both make the 53-man roster, one of them will have to change their number.
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Before the Broncos: Dobbins was selected in the second round (55th overall) of the 2020 NFL draft by the Baltimore Ravens from Ohio State. Dobbins was part of the high-powered offenses of Lamar Jackson and Hollywood Brown. Dobbins had a modest rookie year with 134 carries for 805 yards and nine touchdowns, catching 18 passes for 120 yards. In 2021, Dobbins missed the season due to a torn ACL suffered in the final preseason game. In 2022, Dobbins came back to play and start eight games with 92 carries, 520 yards and two touchdowns, with seven receptions for 42 yards and one touchdown. In 2023, Dobbins only played in one game with the Ravens, and suffered a season-ending torn Achilles.
In 2024, Dobbins bounced back and played with the Los Angeles Chargers. Dobbins played in his most games since 2020 (13), starting 11. He rushed for a career-high 905 yards and nine touchdowns on 195 carries, catching 32 passes for 153 yards. Dobbins was the runner-up for AP Comeback Player of the Year behind former Bronco Joe Flacco.
Broncos tenure: Dobbins entered free agency after the 2024 season and remained unsigned after the initial wave of free agency. Dobbins visited the Broncos initially on June 5, but left without a deal. Dobbins saw fellow free agent Nick Chubb signed by the Houston Texans, before signing with Denver on June 10.
Chances to make the 53-man roster: Essentially a lock. Although Dobbins has a concerning injury history, Denver’s running back room was in dire need of a veteran presence after the departure of Javonte Williams. The Broncos’ signing of Dobbins puts that issue to bed. The room is crowded with Dobbins, second-year man Audric Estime, rookie RJ Harvey, third-year back Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie and Blake Watson. Surprise cuts happen every year in the NFL, but Dobbins is essentially a lock, and he’ll likely split touches with Harvey in 2025.
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This article originally appeared on Broncos Wire: Denver Broncos: J.K. Dobbins hopes to have injuries behind him