Montee Ball is a Bronco
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Height: 5’10”
Weight: 214 pounds
40-Time: 4.46-4.66

** Check out his EYE-POPPING College and High School Accolades here

Initially, the fit seemed odd. Let it marinate and it really works. Montee Ball is a Bronco.

The former Wisconsin Badger is known as a ball-control back that thrives behind a lead blocker. Not the adept space player you might imagine in a wide-open Peyton Manning offense. How is this reconciled in Denver?

Running backs don’t see the light of day in a Peyton Manning offense unless they are mature and responsible in their assignments. Montee Ball is a four-year senior from Wisconsin. He played 49 games in the most pro-style college run game there is and he knows how to block. Check mark.

Ball is a downhill runner who utilizes superior vision to patiently pick his running lanes. Perfect for the stretch play. Peyton Manning’s bread and butter in the run game. Check mark.

Receiving skills? Watch the 2011 Wisconsin film with Russell Wilson at the trigger. Ball can catch the rock. Check mark.

All in all, a young Montee Ball offers a skill set similar to that of an old Willis McGahee. Salute to John Elway. In the midst of a monster draft, he filled a need with one of the best players on the board. Patience, Broncos fans. This one will pay off, it just might take some time.

Fantasy Diagnosis:

Lance Ball is unspectacular. Ronnie Hillman goes down way too easily on first contact. He is nothing more than a complementary back. This is a three-horse race between Willis McGahee, Knowshon Moreno, and Montee Ball.

McGahee is almost 32, and coming off of a knee injury that ended his 2012 season. Knowshon Moreno is in the last year of his rookie deal—unless Denver exercises a club option next year. Perhaps, McGahee or Moreno will be cut or traded en route to opening day. If so, the shiny rookie’s stock rises significantly. Keep a close eye on the Broncos depth chart as we move through training camp. If the veterans do acquiesce to Ball, he could be an RB2 this season.

The more likely scenario is a crowded backfield in Denver, for 2013. In many ways, this situation is reminiscent of Mark Ingram to the Saints a few years back. Making Ball something between an RB3 and a late round flier in re-draft leagues this year. Certainly, give Ball increasing priority in keeper leagues, while he is an absolute must-own in Dynasty Leagues. Remember, this rookie from Wisconsin is all about production, production, production. His fantasy outlook is very bright in the coming years.