Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello is bringing Kyle Shanahan’s offense with him to Denver, which means the team’s running backs will likely be more involved in the passing game this season.
That’s good news for presumed third-string running back Devontae Booker, who has hauled in 99 receptions for 815 yards over the last three years.
“In this offense, you utilize the running back out of the backfield catching the ball,” Booker said after practice on May 31. “That’s a big asset of mine, my hands. It’s really kind of similar to what we ran my rookie year with [former coach Gary] Kubiak and his system.
“It’s pretty similar to me. It gets a little wordy at times to where we really have to listen to the play call, but at the end of the day it’s still pretty much the same.”
Booker was selected by Denver in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL draft out of Utah and he’s never been able to emerge as more than the first-choice backup in the team’s backfield. Booker would obviously love to be a featured back but he also understands his third-down role is important.
“I’m not just going to sit here and say that I don’t want to be [the No. 1 guy] because I know that I can offer a little more,” Booker said. “As of right now and how my role is, the pass protection and being a pass catcher out of the backfield, that’s just where they need me right now.”
Booker, 27, is set to earn $720,000 this season before becoming a free agent in 2020. His future in Denver is not guaranteed but the fourth-year running back isn’t dwelling on what he can’t control.
“I really don’t think about it too much,” Booker said. “I just know that I have to go out there and do what I need to do on the football field. Everything else will handle [itself] on its own. I’m just going to keep continuing to work hard and do what I need to do out there on the field.”
Booker has gained 1,909 yards from scrimmage and has scored seven touchdowns since joining the team in 2016.
