Denver Broncos: Phillip Lindsay is Worth Drafting
Sometimes a team or Denver Broncos can fill a position of depth with a player that has the biggest heart and chip on his shoulder to prove doubters wrong.
The man with the most heart and drive to be successful is none other than Colorado running back Phillip Lindsay.
The Denver Broncos will potentially lose C.J. Anderson in free agency. Anderson’s story of determination, hard work and passion made him an instant fan favorite for the franchise. Lindsay is local kid through and through. If Lindsay gets the shot with the Broncos, then he will have extra incentive to play for the hometown team.
Lindsay attended Denver South High School from 2009-2013. There he ran for 4,587 yards averaging nearly 10 yards a carry with 44 rushing touchdowns. The beginning of his versatility started there also, tallying 57 total touchdowns. Lindsay became a valuable asset as a running back and in all facets of his game. After Denver South, he committed to play at Boulder, Colorado.
As a Colorado Buffaloes running back Lindsay grew exponentially better as a player from his freshman year. His freshman season finished with 391 rushing yards and 118 receiving yards. Ever since then the production increased exponentially. Lindsay’s junior and senior season included a jammed packed all-purpose on field clinic running with the football.
He ran for 1,000+ yards in back to back seasons with nearly 20 touchdowns each campaign.
Lindsay became an all-purpose machine on kickoffs his freshman year. He alone was close to 1,000 yards on special teams that season. The responsibility there dwindled because the team saw value in him as a running back. Yet the NFL declined to invite him to the Scouting Combine. For Lindsay it could be a blessing in disguise.
His Colorado pro day was his time to shine due to the Combine snub. Lindsay didn’t sugar coat how he felt.
"It pissed me off. I’m going to be real with you. I guess it wasn’t meant to be, and that’s what it comes down to. God had other plans for me. But you don’t go and have the years you’ve had at a great university and just get overlooked because of what, my size? That’s something I can’t control.”Lindsay, at his pro day."
Scouts are meticulous when evaluating players and maybe a little too much. One thing you can never measure is a player’s heart. Darren Sproles is the best example. Lindsay’s lack of an invite can turn into success if the Denver Broncos take that chance.
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Obviously the Broncos remain interested in the future of Devontae Booker. DeAngelo Henderson gave flashes in preseason and saw small time in the regular season. However, like the quarterback position no one has taken a stranglehold to become clear cut starter. Enter Phillip Lindsay.
Lindsay projects as the ideal all-around back, but due to the doubters and remaining chip on the shoulder he can become an all-purpose machine just like in college and high school. The Broncos might in fact need a kickoff returner that can see action early as a rookie.
Furthermore, the man and legend himself John Elway attended Lindsay’s pro day. After the vertical jump of a 35 1/2 vertical and 40-yard dash time of 4.39, Lindsay proved despite his size and height he packs impressive athleticism that translates to the next level. He is an east/west runner but proved time and time again he can go inside.
If I am Elway there should be serious internal discussions at Dove Valley to consider Phillip Lindsay in this upcoming NFL Draft.