The Denver Broncos have some work to do this offseason if they want to make the NFL playoffs, stave off the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers, and make a Super Bowl push they were robbed of in 2025.

The offensive side of the ball is the priority. While tight end is a hole that needs filling, the running back room needs a new face with the departure of J.K. Dobbins. A 2026 rookie could be on the table, though there’s really only two backs worth a high pick.

Jeremiyah Love out of Notre Dame is the top RB, but he’s going to be long gone by 30th overall. Instead, as Dan Parr of NFL.com shared, NFL Draft expert Daniel Jeremiah believes the Broncos could take a different Notre Dame RB, Jadarian Price, in round 1.

NFL Draft expert believes Broncos as R1 suitor for backup Notre Dame RB

“I think he can be a No. 1 back,” Jeremiah said of Price. “If he was playing anywhere else, he would have been. He just happened to be playing with Jeremiyah Love. … He’s someone that I think has a chance to be a three-down, complete back, which would be a great pairing with RJ Harvey for that group.”

Parr notes that Jeremiah also “would not be surprised to see Price jump into the back end of the first-round discussion as the evaluation process unfolds in the weeks ahead.”

If Price ascends boards and winds up being a first-round caliber talent, the Broncos at 30th overall could be a great landing spot for Price.

The 5-foot-11, 210-pound running back is a solid runner and is only 22 years old. Harvey is a bit older at 25 already, so landing Price not only would make the Broncos younger but better as well.

More: Broncos predicted to replace J.K. Dobbins with trade for 5-time Pro Bowl running back

In his final season at Notre Dame, as the backup to Love, he ran the ball 113 times for 674 yards and 11 touchdowns, while catching six passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.

He didn’t get the ball often in his 12-game season, but when he did, he was a very impressive runner and receiver.

Price is a solid running back, and if his draft stock rises through the spring, then he could end up being a first-round pick. At 30th overall, at the back-end of the draft, Price is a very realistic option for the Broncos.

While taking a backup running back in the first round might seem crazy on paper, with how great Price looked this past season for Notre Dame, and how good he’s looked in his collegiate career, there’s no reason why Price wouldn’t be worth the pick.

Broncos fans should keep tabs on Price as the NFL Draft approaches, as he could be a first-rounder. As long as the Broncos don’t sign a free agent running back, Price will be an option for Sean Payton at 30th overall in the 2026 NFL Draft.

More Broncos news: