Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime only handled five carries in the team's preseason finale against the Arizona Cardinals on Sunday at Empower Field and gained 18 yards (3.6 yards per rush), but he found the end zone for one of two Denver rushing scores in the 38-12 victory. Estime also caught his only target for a 14-yard pickup. Blake Watson led the backfield with 11 carries for 38 yards while also catching his only target for eight yards. The 20-year-old Estime got the start in this one and only played on one drive. If Samaje Perine makes Denver's final 53-man roster, Estime will likely begin his first season in the NFL as Denver's RB4 behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Perine. Estime is a physical, between-the-tackles runner and could be utilized in specific short-yardage and goal-line situations, but he can likely be left alone in 12-team fantasy leagues for now.

From RotoBaller

The Denver Broncos believe that running back Audric Estime can become a three-down back following some development, according to Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com. Specifically, the team would like to see him "smooth out some rough edges as a receiver and get more consistent in pass protection" before deploying him on a three-down basis. Estime ran for 1,341 yards during his final season at Notre Dame, adding 18 touchdowns and another 142 yards through the air. With Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin also pushing for touches, it's unclear exactly how the Broncos will use their running backs to start the season. Estime will certainly carve out a role, though.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos rookie running back Audric Estime's got the most work of any of the team's RBs in the preseason opener on Sunday at Lucas Oil Stadium against the hosting Indianapolis Colts. Estime led the backfield with 10 carries for 31 yards and a touchdowns while also catching all three of his targets for 13 yards in the passing game. The 20-year-old also lost a fumble, but he currently appears to be Denver's RB3 ahead of veteran Samaje Perine, who didn't see a single carry and dropped his only target, which led to an interception, despite being the fourth RB in the game behind Javonte Williams, Jaleel McLaughlin and Perine. The fifth-rounder should be part of Denver's opening-day roster and is probably the biggest threat to Williams' early-down touches in 2024. However, it will probably take an injury to Williams for Estime to be worth rostering in standard-sized fantasy leagues.

From RotoBaller

Denver Broncos rookie fifth-round running back Audric Estime (knee) missed most of the offseason program after undergoing a minor scope of his knee, but he's expected to be "full-go" for the starting of training camp in a few weeks, according to head coach Sean Payton. In limited action in front of the media this offseason, Estime looked the part of a RB who can bring more short-yardage toughness to Denver's backfield, but it remains to be seen if he can supplant Javonte Williams as an every-down option in 2024. The 20-year-old from Notre Dame is probably a long shot to become the team's lead back, at least earlier in his rookie season, but he could take over goal-line duties fairly quickly, which could make him worth a late-round flier in deep fantasy leagues as a handcuff for Williams.

Despite having Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine, and Jaleel McLaughlin on the roster, the Denver Broncos selected former Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in the fifth round of the 2024 NFL Draft. The 221-pound bruiser likely saw his stock fall after posting a 4.71 forty-yard dash time at the NFL combine, but Sean Payton and company stopped the fall. In a media availability after the draft, Payton called Estime a " first and second-down runner" with experience in a pro-style offense. With Williams posting just 3.6 yards per carry last season and Perine having a limited role, Estime could be in play for early-down work right away as a rookie. His fantasy upside will be limited, but any role as a fifth-round rookie would mean exceeding expectations.

Dynasty | The Denver Broncos drafted Notre Dame running back Audric Estime in round five of the NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: Well, this is a fun landing spot. Estime's draft stock plummeted after he posted Dad-like athleticism numbers at the NFL Draft Combine. The Broncos aren't buying it as Estime has been a road-grader of a runner throughout his very productive career. With Javonte Williams failing to really impress throughout his young career, Estime is going to be a popular sleeper in rookie drafts. While far from a three-down option, he could provide some value and landed in a solid spot in Denver.

From Dynasty League Fantasy