Booker had an opportunity to claim the starting job in Denver last year after C.J. Anderson injured his knee in Week 7, but instead the rookie flopped in the lead role, failing to top 3.3 YPC for seven straight games after Anderson went down. Much of the blame can be laid on an offensive line that struggled to open holes and on a passing game that gave defenses plenty of incentive to stack the box, but Booker himself displayed little of the vision, patience or burst that he flashed in college. The Broncos brought back Mike McCoy to take over as offensive coordinator and re-made their O-line in the offseason, which offers the hope of a more productive running game. On the other hand, the team also re-made its backfield as Jamaal Charles will join a healthy Anderson in a fierce competition for touches that might leave little room for Booker. Further muddying the picture, Booker had surgery on his wrist in late July, with the recovery timetable estimated at 6-8 weeks. He's said to be targeting a Week 3 return, but even if that happens, he'll have missed an opportunity to prove himself in training camp and the preseason. It's unclear if he'll be involved in the offense once he's available.

Booker is a decisive, inside grinder who looks like a good fit for Gary Kubiak's one-cut running game. His hands could go either way — he's shown the ability to be a factor in the passing game, but he also had fumbling problems in college. Booker is also old for an NFL rookie — he turned 24 in late May — and his initial progress was held back by a springtime knee injury. He's expected to be fine by summer camp, however, and he's more of a threat to C.J. Anderson than Ronnie Hillman is.