To win the right to back up running back Montee Ball, the fiercest competition for Ronnie Hillman and C.J. Anderson might not be Brennan Clay, Kapri Bibbs or the pool of undrafted rookies.
It might be the waiver wire.
There are no veteran running backs walking the streets who interest the Broncos. Cut day across the league is coming in late August, though, followed by a more significant roster trim a few days later.
Most likely, some recognizable tailbacks will be on the waiver wire, ready to run for NFL minimum wage.
At that point, will the Broncos add a proven veteran to a running backs meeting room now restricted to kids?
“I feel like that’s on us,” Anderson said. “When coaches say they don’t pick the roster, we do, I feel like we’ll pick a veteran running back if we don’t perform. I think for the first couple days of camp, especially when we put the pads on, we’ve been looking good running the ball and with pass protection. If we continue to keep that going, there won’t be a veteran running back in our room.”
Hillman, the No. 2 back in camp, is coming off back-to-back impressive practices. Then again, he was No. 1 on the depth chart at this point last year and it didn’t work out.
By the start of the 2013 season, Hillman had lost his starting job to Knowshon Moreno. By season’s end, Hillman had lost his game-day jersey.
“I probably got a little comfortable last year about this time, but right now it’s a different story,” Hillman said. “I come to work every day with a chip on my shoulder. It’s definitely giving me an edge, helping me keep a little more focus.”
After improving his leg strength during the offseason, Hillman was better equipped to absorb the blow he took from safety Duke Ihenacho near the goal line Monday. Hillman lost his helmet on the exchange, but not the ball — and not his feet as he kept on running.
He is confident Broncos fans have yet to see the real Ronnie Hillman.
“No, not yet,” he said. “They will soon.”
Anderson made the Broncos’ roster as an undrafted rookie based on his 15-carry, 69-yard effort in the 2013 preseason opener at San Francisco. A knee injury a couple days later cost him a chance to make an impact during the season.
Anderson reported to his second camp at 216 pounds, well down from his listed weight of 224 pounds.
Isn’t he a bit light for a power back?
“I don’t think I am,” he said. “I ran somebody over the other day. I think I’ve still got my power.”
But this is just practice. Running back arguably is the toughest position to evaluate in practice because breaking tackles is such a significant part of the job description.
The Broncos probably will watch two or three preseason games before deciding whether their kiddie stable of backs needs veteran reinforcement.
“You stay on this roster by performing in the games,” Anderson said. “We’ve got four games and they’ll split up the reps however they decide to split it up. All you can do is maximize your opportunity.”
Mike Klis: mklis@ denverpost.com or twitter.com/ mikeklis