The Denver Broncos re-signed running backs C.J. Anderson and Ronnie Hillman this offseason which was somewhat of a surprise to most Broncos fans. With both experienced backs in the mix this season and an emphasis to run head coach Gary Kubiak’s traditional offense, the running game should thrive.

Anderson signed a four-year deal that will keep him in the Mile High City for the foreseeable future. Hillman signed a one-year deal late in free agency, keeping the duo together. When asked about the re-signing of Hillman, Anderson spoke highly of his teammate and emphasized their chemistry within the offense.

“Huge. This is good,” Anderson said, according to a quote sheet released by the team. “We know my role will get a little bigger. I also understand that. But we also understand that we know what type of back Ronnie can be. We know how explosive he can be. We know he’s that home-run hitter whenever. When he’s out there, he just doesn’t miss a beat. That was our whole thing while we were playing. We just don’t want to miss a beat whoever is out there—22 (Anderson) or 23 (Hillman). Glad to have him back.”

With QB questions still looming in the air, the Broncos are going to have to run the ball effectively in 2016. Anderson’s growth in a Broncos uniform has been significant, and he is going to need to elevate his game even more in 2016. Playing running back in the NFL takes it’s tole on the body, so staying on the field will need to be a priority for Anderson, who has been somewhat injury prone since coming into the league in 2013.

“You’ve got to stay healthy first,” Anderson said. “ I think the conditioning [will] help better. I think the mindset is better, too. During the year it was ‘You and Ronnie, you and Ronnie, you and Ronnie.’ When I knew I could go, I was like man, ‘You know you can go, but Ronnie can go out there and he’s fresh right now making plays.”

Hillman gives Denver the ability to continually change the pace in the backfield. The modern game calls for more than one back contributing in the offense, often with two or three backs in the mix. Hillman is one of the quickest backs in the league, but his lack of size and strength limits what you can do with him in the run game.

Behind an improved offensive line the Broncos running game should thrive, and Anderson is excited to them work.

“I think it’s huge,” Anderson said. “ [T] Donald Stephenson, he’s played in this system before. [T] Russell [Okung] has done it over there in Seattle. Then when you’ve got [C] Matt [Paradis] and [G] Max [Garcia] and [T] Ty [Sambrailo], this is their second year in the system. Max has game reps. Ty was hurt. He’s coming back, but at least he’s been in the system and he knows the expectations.”

Anderson continued on the offensive line, “I just think last year with us being up front—knowing the expectations, that’s one thing, but also understanding the system and the blocking schemes is another thing. I think that is where we were growing, and you saw that in the last half of the season. I just think this year everybody knows the system. Everybody knows what they’re doing and we know the expectations.”

The expectations could not be higher for defending Super Bowl Champions, and with NFL Draft weekend finally here, the Broncos could look to add another running back into the mix. If John Elway and Kubiak do decide add another back to the stable, Anderson welcomes the competition.

“Bring them in,” Anderson said. “We’re happy. We’ve got room. Bring them in. It’s only going to make us better. We’ll make him better. He’ll catch up and we’ll catch up. Just bring them in.”

It is unlikely the Broncos would take a running back early, but later in the draft it would not be much of a surprise. Kapri Bibbs and Juwan Thompson will be in the mix during training camp and preseason, but there is always room for another talented back, especially in a run-heavy offense like Kubiak’s.

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Anderson will lead the way for the Broncos in 2016 and Hillman will play a large role as well. If another back is in the mix, the Broncos leaders are not worried about competition. They welcome it. Their mission is to repeat as World Champions and they welcome any player that gives the team a better chance to accomplish it.