FanHouse JJArrington

The Broncos went through a decade's worth of running backs last season, and maybe that's why they're overcompensating for it during the first week of free agency. Denver has signed 10 players since last Friday, including running backs Correll Buckhalter, JJ Arrington (even if temporarily), and now LaMont Jordan. If nothing else, there will be no need to summon Tatum Bell from the Cellphone Hut.

First-year head coach Ken Whisenhunt is determined to find significant playing time for former second-round draft pick J.J. Arrington. With Edgerrin James assured the bulk of the carries, Whisenhunt has been forced to consider other options for the multi-talented running back.

While Arrington may receive some third down carries, that doesn't appear to satisfy Whisenhunt's desire to see this kid play. For that reason, Arrington has also been practicing as a fullback this offseason.

"We're kind of evaluating both those guys [Arrington and Marcel Shipp] and finding out what they do well," coach Ken Whisenhunt said. "I know it's tougher for the defense to identify if you have two guys who can kind of play dual roles. So we're trying to train those guys in those roles now."

But that's not all. Within the last week, Arrington also began practicing at wide receiver.

J.J. is quite a talented athlete and I have no doubt that he'll be serviceable at all three positions; I just don't think he'll excel at any. Either way, this just adds another element to what's turning out to be quite a dynamic offense.

Thus far in his short NFL career, former second-round draft pick J.J. Arrington has been less than impressive. Although his opportunities have been limited, he's yet to show the ability that Cardinals brass saw in him when they drafted him to be the running back of the future.

That could change this year, however. While it's a sure thing that he will not be given more carries than Edgerrin James, Coach Ken Whisenhunt has made it clear that he'd like to spread the ball around. Because of that split-back philosophy, Arrington could earn himself plenty of playing time and so far he's done a good job standing out from the pack.

Coach Whisenhunt pointed out that Arrington has looked "pretty explosive" so far this offseason and while he's "not ahead of the other guys," he has "stood out."

So what does that mean for Arrington? Well, that's up for the debate at the moment. What isn't, is the motivation Arrington has to break out this year.

"You want to show what you can do," Arrington said. "I am a patient guy. But hopefully, this is the year."

I've been an Arrington fan since day one, so I'm obviously rooting for him. Not only could he help himself with a productive offseason, he could certainly help the team if it carries over into the regular season.

(Photo Credit: Getty Images)