Future Broncos: South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis

South Dakota State running back Isaiah Davis would be a terrific selection for the Denver Broncos on Day 3 of the 2024 NFL Draft.

The Denver Broncos have Javonte Williams, Samaje Perine and Jaleel McLaughlin slated as their current 1-2-3 punch at running back for the 2024 season. It’s a solid group, but I have no doubts that Sean Payton and George Paton will be drafting one in the 2024 NFL Draft. Over the pre-draft process, the Broncos have been incredibly diligent scouting running backs all across the country.

South Dakota State standout Isaiah Davis might not be the most well-known prospect at the position, but he is certainly one of the most underrated. He was an incredible player for the Jackrabbits and a primary reason they were able to earn back-to-back FCS championships. In his past two seasons alone, Davis rushed for over 3,000 yards and 33 touchdowns. On top of that, he hauled in 44 receptions for nearly 400 yards and an additional touchdown.

Some might say, “He was playing FCS ball.” That’s true, but I’d just like to note that the Missouri Valley Conference is loaded with quality teams and is a conference that has just as just as much talent as some lower-level FBS conferences. A lot of teams across the National Football League have taken notice to that fact—partly because of North Dakota State’s dominant run over the past decade.

If there is any player from the FCS I’d love the Broncos to draft, Davis would be it. Let’s take a deeper dive on the Jackrabbit and analyze his fit in Sean Payton’s offense.

Player Profile: Isaiah Davis, Running Back — South Dakota State

Height: 6’0” | Weight: 208 pounds | Arm Length: 31-1/8” | Hand Size: 10-1/4”

40-yard dash: 4.57 seconds | 10-yard split: 1.5 seconds | Bench Press: 23 reps

Statistics at SDSU: Four-year production history shown in link.

Film Room & Highlights

Hart’s Scouting Report

Positives:

• Possesses prototypical size and strength for the position
• Two-Time FCS All-American, 2023 Co-FCS Offensive Player of the year and Two-Time FCS Champion
• Strong north-south power back who runs with authority that averaged nearly 7 yards per carry during the course of his collegiate career
• Nose for the endzone with 50 rushing touchdowns in four years in Brookings
• Easily breaks tackles and sports some of the best after contact numbers at the position in the entire draft
• Extremely effective on the inside, but also has the capability to hit outside lanes when asked
• Above-average receiver and boasts legitimate three-down back potential
• Dependable with the ball in his hands and only had three fumbles over four years with the Jackrabbits

Negatives:

• Average athletic testing at the 2024 NFL Combine
• Doesn’t have breakaway long speed or great agility
• His patience as a runner pays off, but I’d like to see him be more decisive hitting the right lane as opposed to breaking away outside when it isn’t necessary
• Needs more experience to get better in pass protection

Projection: Day 3 Selection (Fourth or Fifth Round)

Why the Denver Broncos should consider drafting Davis

Davis might not have any elite traits that teams are looking for, but his brute style of running, production and efficiency will be enticing for teams looking for a back who can churn out first downs and be a power player in the redzone.

I think he is a good fit for Sean Payton’s offense, who has a history of having bigger backs like Mark Ingram and Chris Ivory to do the hard work in-between the tackles. If the Broncos somehow come out of the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft with a quarterback—pairing him with a rookie running back with a lot of potential would be a smart move.

It’s also important to note the aforementioned Williams and Perine are in contract years. Denver has spent a lot of time studying Davis and he would be a viable replacement for Williams as a thunder option in the Broncos’ offense if he were to move on as a free agent after the upcoming season.

I think Davis merits consideration as early as the fourth round. A dream scenario would be him falling to the fifth round where the Broncos have a lot of selections. The last time the Broncos took a chance on a Day 3 running back with the last name Davis it turned out pretty well. Maybe, just maybe—history repeats itself and the franchise scores themselves another phenomenal back who was underrated relative to his peers.