Hillman needs to trade potential for production
east rutherford, n. j. he conundrum formerly known as Ronnie Hillman finally starts his first game in his third NFL season. Perhaps. Rather, the Broncos’ offense could begin with four wide receivers and a tight end, or three wides and two tights, or with Juwan Thompson or C.J. Anderson at running back, or with Virgil Green or Julius Thomas lined up in the backfield.
The Formerly Known As could even wind up on the inactive list.
Nobody can ever predict where this young man will be or what he’s going to do. Winston
TChurchill would suggest Hillman is a poser wrapped in a puzzle inside perplexing potential.
When the Broncos selected Hillman in the third round, as the fifth overall running back, of the 2012 draft, John Elway, who was primarily responsible for the choice, said: “Every time he touches the ball, he has a chance to go all the way.’’
Trouble is, Hillman hasn’t touched the ball very often, and he never has gone all the way.
Now into his third season, Hillman has been a healthy scratch in 13 games. He appeared in one postseason game, in his rookie season (2012), and none last season. In the 26 games he has played, he’s rushed five times or fewer in 16 of those games.
Two games ago, in Seattle, Hillman was given the handoff twice and gained 2 yards. He was merely a witness in the Broncos’ last game atMetLife Stadium— the Super Bowl.
He has twice as many fumbles as touchdowns (two).