A look at the four candidates in the running for the Denver Broncos starting running back job:

SELVIN YOUNG

Pros - Young has the job to lose. The Broncos like his mind-set. He is quick and can make big plays. Last season as a rookie, he led the team with 729 yards rushing.

Cons - Coach Mike Shanahan has said he doesn't know if Young can be a workhorse because he could break down. Young looks to be in great shape but is still in the 210-pound range, which is considered small for an NFL tailback.

Key stat - Young had 265 yards and averaged 7.2 yards per carry in two games against Kansas City last season. In the other 13 games he played, he had 464 yards and averaged 4.5 yards.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner says - "He's a football player, that's the bottom line. He's not the fastest guy, he's not the biggest guy, but you can play football or you can't. And he can play football, period."

MICHAEL PITTMAN

Pros - Pittman is by far the most experienced back on the team. He has had 10 solid NFL seasons. His versatility is a big plus. He can block, catch and also play fullback.

Cons - Although Pittman is in great shape, he will turn 33 during training camp. He might be more of an insurance plan than a go-to featured back at this stage of his career.

Key stat - Pittman has 5,307 career rushing yards. The next three tailbacks on the depth chart have 945 yards combined.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner says - "He's a veteran, he's a pro. What his role is going to be, it's hard to say right now. But he's a kid that can play both positions. He's been a situational back, and I like what I see in him."

RYAN TORAIN

Pros - Torain brings size - 222 pounds - to the position. The Broncos believe they got good value with him in the fifth round of this year's draft because he was coming off a foot injury. He has picked up the mental part of the game quickly.

Cons - Torain hasn't shown he can play in the NFL. The Broncos aren't scared to play a rookie at tailback, but he'll have to prove himself. Also, he can't have a relapse with his injured foot.

Key stat - Torain's 1,229 rushing yards in 2006 was the highest total for an Arizona State back in 32 years.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner says - "I'm looking for toughness out of him, to run between the dog-gone tackles, to be physical. He's going to attack defenders and make plays."

ANDRE HALL

Pros - Hall, a quick and fast back, got a shot to start last Nov. 25 against Chicago and had 98 yards rushing and 69 yards receiving. He did that despite spraining his ankle on the first play, which impressed the coaches.

Cons - Hall, like Young, isn't very big. He is listed at 212 pounds. He also doesn't have a great pedigree as an undrafted former practice squad player. But the Broncos have given lesser name backs chances.

Key stat - Hall's 181 all-purpose yards against Chicago was the second-highest total by a Bronco last season.

Running backs coach Bobby Turner says - "He's not blessed with the size and the weight and all that, but he's a kid that brings quickness and speed. And, he has another year under his belt."