Mike Clay Projects Big Year for Royce Freeman
By Tylor Walden
![EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images) EUGENE, OR - NOVEMBER 12: Running back Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs with the ball during the first quarter of the game against the Stanford Cardinal at Autzen Stadium on November 12, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fpredominantlyorange-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F622866070-850x560-bead70bea1a35f02c049fa075c4d1e903814c36c0efc8f06a5dd267dbd7c786d.jpg)
The Denver Broncos drafted Royce Freeman in the third round to hep with the running back position. Mike Clay at ESPN projects a big year for him.
When the Denver Broncos decided to part ways with C.J. Anderson, the need for running back was apparent. It took until the third round for the Denver Broncos to address the running back position. Royce Freeman could be a solid addition to the Broncos roster.
He may have a lot of wear and tear on his tires from his time with Oregon. But do not let that take away from what he has been able to do with that wear and tear. He can do well for the Broncos running game.
In fact, he might be a big contributor to the offense according to Mike Clay over at ESPN. What Clay does is project fantasy football stats for the network. And he believes that Royce Freeman could have a solid rookie campaign in Denver.
2018 projections for the 8 running backs drafted during Rounds 1-3: #Clayprojections pic.twitter.com/fCR1Loa7Gb
— Mike Clay (@MikeClayNFL) April 28, 2018
Looking at Mike Clay’s projections, Royce Freeman could accumulate 1,200 yards both rushing and receiving. When it comes to running the football, Royce Freeman would end up 19 yards short of a unheard of 1,000 yards rushing for a rookie. If he is able to produce 981 yards on the ground, I would consider that a success.
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Freeman is projected to score seven touchdowns. But in this age in the NFL, the touchdown production from running backs is not what it used to be. The league is more of a pass happy one. This is why I would enjoy seeing a solid running game return to the Broncos.
None the less, Royce Freeman could be in for a big year. If the team can get that production out of him, I would be excited for the team. Look out, Royce Freeman could be a big time playmaker in 2018.