The Broncos' initial depth chart came out Saturday following their team's final round of cuts. On it, Ronnie Hillman was atop the list for running backs.
Don't buy it.
For starters, Hillman hasn't been any better than any other back on the roster. Some would say he's been worse because he fumbled three times over preseason action. Teammates Montee Ball and Knowshon Moreno haven't been as turnover prone and in the case of Ball the stats are similar.
Broncos coach John Fox loves to use more than one back and that's what's going to happen in Denver. Ball and Hillman might rotate series while Moreno works in the hurry-up offense. That's a realistic expectation to begin the season but once Hillman shows his buttery hands Ball could wrestle the job away. That could happen sooner than later.
I'll still take Hillman ahead of Moreno because he's younger, healthier and could play more this year (Moreno's knees are a constant concern). But Ball's ahead of both. I like Ball with a Round 5-6 pick, Hillman about two or three rounds later and Moreno just behind Hillman. I also wouldn't go crazy starting any of these guys Week 1 against the Ravens.