Audric Estime Set to 'Get Those Opportunities'?

What They're Saying

Payton, when asked what he'd like to see from Estime in Year 2: "Just running style and his physicality, the things that got him drafted. The things that we saw. [It was] a little bit harder for him last year—for a handful of these guys. I don’t want to say the grade was incomplete, but they just didn’t have enough [touches]. He’s a back that requires enough touches. He’s going to get those opportunities."

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

Estime logged just 76 carries across 13 games as a rookie, ranking fourth on the team and third among Broncos RBs in attempts.

Payton's words indicate that he plans to get Estime more work in the youngster's second season. But there's competition.

Denver drafted R.J. Harvey in Round 2. Jaleel McLaughlin, Tyler Badie, and Blake Watson return from last year's squad.

Estime won't turn 22 until Sept. 6 and brings arguably the best interior-running profile among Broncos RBs. There's room for him to complement Harvey, who's likely to quickly emerge as the team's backfield leader. But Estime will also need to earn that role.

Harvey's ADP already sits dramatically ahead of the rest of his new teammates. If Estime -- and/or others -- actually settle into significant regular use, though, this year's rookie will add downside risk.

The whole situation will be worth watching through summer for further hints at the work split.

Estime's a fine late-round option at his current best ball ADP.