The backfield situation in Denver became a little more clear on Monday, as the team decided to part ways with Travis Henry. The veteran rushed for 691 yards on 167 carries (4.1 avg.) with four touchdowns in 12 games (7 starts) last season, but his failures down the stretch made him less of an asset to the Broncos and fantasy footballers alike. Now a free agent, Henry joins Shaun Alexander on the list of past-their-prime runners who are looking for work.

Selvin Young, RB
Denver Broncos

2007 Statistics
Att: 140
Yards: 729
TD: 1

With Henry out of the mix, Selvin Young sees a significant boost in value. He’s now atop the team’s depth chart and believes he can rush for 2,000 yards this season. Young, who has added seven pounds in the offseason, described himself as a “beast” in a recent interview with the Denver Post. Whether or not he can be a beast for owners remains to be seen, as there are questions if Young can handle the load of a featured runner at the NFL level. In fact, Shanahan has stated in the past that he doesn’t see Young as an every-down back.

Enter Michael Pittman and Ryan Torain.

Pittman signed with the team last month and should see time as a third-down back and on passing downs. Torain is the darkhorse in the competition. A talented runner out of Arizona State, Torain will now warrant late-round consideration in most fantasy drafts.

However, the Denver running back to target (at least for now) is Young. Based on the success of the position under Shanahan in the past, the Texas product should now be seen as a viable No. 2 fantasy back. He might not rush for 2,000 yards, but Young should reach the 1,000-yard mark if he can secure the top spot on the depth chart in training camp. Pittman appears to be the favorite to finish second and become Young’s handcuff, but be sure to keep tabs on Torain as well.

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