Editor’s note: Second of an eight-part series breaking down the Broncos’ roster as they “reboot” under new coach Vance Joseph. Today: the running backs.

It was a cut he made hundreds of times in his career. Broncos running back C.J. Anderson planted his right leg to juke a Houston defender in a late October game against the Houston Texans. His right knee buckled.

Anderson left the field, but returned soon after and kept playing. He achieved his first 100-yard game of the season. Soon after, however, he found out he had torn his right meniscus and would be out for the season. It was then that the Broncos offense began to go downhill.

The Broncos didn’t have a great running game when Anderson was healthy, but it ground nearly to a halt after he was gone.

In the Broncos’ first seven games, with Anderson, they averaged 111.6 rushing yards per game and 4.1 yards per carry. In the final nine games, without Anderson, the Broncos averaged 78.1 rushing yards and 3.1 yards per carry.

Now, as the Broncos continue their offseason, they must ask themselves if they have enough talent at running back to bring balance back into the offense for whomever ends up being the starting quarterback. Anderson, Devontae Booker, Kapri Bibbs and fullback Andy Janovich are expected to return, but the 2017 draft class is rich with running back talent if management believes another back is necessary.

Louisiana State’s Leonard Fournette and Florida State’s Dalvin Cook likely will be gone before the Broncos pick at No. 20, but former Stanford and Valor Christian running Christian McCaffrey might still be on the board. He would be an intriguing option because of his running and receiving ability and additional ability to return kicks.

Fans would love it if the Broncos take McCaffrey, son of former Broncos star receiver Ed McCaffrey, but it might not be the best selection for a team with glaring needs on the offensive line. The Broncos signed Anderson to a four-year contract extension before last season, then drafted Booker in the fourth round and Janovich in the sixth round.

The more likely draft options, if the Broncos select another back, are on day two or day three of the draft. Tennessee’s Alvin Kamara, Ohio State’s Curtis Samuel or Brigham Young’s Jamaal Williams are likely to go in rounds two or three. Michigan’s De’Veon Smith or San Diego State’s Donnel Pumphrey could be players to look at in the later rounds.

As for Booker, there are a lot of unknowns after an uneven rookie season. He could be a great complement to Anderson, but it’s unclear whether he could be a building block to be a No. 1 back.

Anderson is the team’s clear lead back. He was on pace for 1,291 total yards and 11 touchdowns if he had played all 16 games. The problem is that he didn’t play 16 games and has been injured throughout his career. Anderson is entering the latter stages of rehabilitation and expects to be back on the field for organized team activities. He’s eager to prove he can be the Broncos’ unquestioned lead back, but he has to stay healthy to prove that.

Veteran Justin Forsett, a late season pickup, is a free agent contemplating retirement.

Janovich, a fullback, might have a role under offensive coordinator Mike McCoy, who drafted and used fullback Derek Watt in his final season with the Chargers.

Offensive line upgrades are expected, but the backs have to improve too, for the running game to get back where the Broncos need it.

Up next: The receivers