DeVaughn Wheeler isn’t the only member of the Denver Broncos’ 2024 draft class who could help the New Orleans Saints win football games in 2025 and beyond. The Saints may have found something in running back Odrick Estiem. The bruising running back out of Notre Dame was drafted by the Broncos last year (5th round, 147th overall), and he briefly made the Philadelphia Eagles’ practice squad earlier this year before joining the Saints.
He played a big role in Sunday’s comeback against the Tennessee Titans. Estime rushed for 94 yards on just 14 carries (6.7 yards per carry), both career highs, and his 32-yard touchdown run was the longest rushing touchdown by a Saints running back since Alvin Kamara’s 40-yard score on Christmas Day 2020. They have been lacking big offense in the backcourt.
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If nothing else, Estime will receive more permanent attention next offseason. Having young edge rushers like him, Devin Neal and Kendre Miller will help create good competition on the depth chart. The Saints should still be looking for an upgrade at running back given Kamara’s uncertain future and the team’s spate of injuries, but Estime has proven he can help the team win football games. This is important.
With so many former Saints following Sean Payton to Denver, it would be nice to see a former Bronco shake things up by helping New Orleans win a game. The Saints may have found something in Esteime. He’ll have one more chance to show what he can do next week on the road against the Atlanta Falcons.
This article originally appeared on Saints Wire: Saints may have discovered something in former Broncos RB Audric Estime