How Javonte Williams' recovery affects Broncos future at RB

Broncos general manager George Paton believes running back Javonte Williams may return sooner than expected from a season-ending ACL/LCL tear suffered in Week 4 last season. 

"I think he's on track (to be ready for the regular season)," Paton said in a Tuesday news conference. 

According to The Mayo Clinic, recovering from Williams's injury can take up to 12 months, so he's ahead of schedule. However, one-third of athletes suffer another tear in the same or opposite knee within two years, per the Mayo Clinic.

Denver needs to ensure that Williams doesn't rush his recovery and that it has other options at RB as a contingency. 

Signing free-agent Latavius Murray is wise since he led the Broncos in rushing yards (703 yards in 12 games). Drafting a RB in the fourth or fifth round makes sense because it's a deep class.

The Athletic's Nick Kosmider predicts that Denver will select Tulane's Tyjae Spears in the fifth round. In 14 games, Spears rushed for 1,581 yards and 19 TDs — tied for third in the FBS. 

Williams displayed potential during his rookie season, running for 903 yards while splitting carries with Melvin Gordon III making the PWFA All-Rookie team. Denver's ground attack could become a three-headed monster if he recaptures that performance level.

Sean Payton's offenses excel when they have productive RBs. In 2009,  the Saints RB trio of Pierre Thomas, Reggie Bush and Mike Bell finished sixth in rushing yards, carrying them to a Super Bowl XLIV victory.