Denver Broncos: Rookie report cards through 12 games

Most Valuable Player: Phillip Lindsay, RB

Even with four games remaining in the 2018 regular season, it’s safe to say that despite the strength of the Broncos’ 2018 NFL Draft class, the jewel of this year’s rookie crop is undrafted running back Phillip Lindsay.

You all know the story well.

Lindsay was not invited to the Scouting Combine. He was a secondary focus at the Colorado Pro Day where teams lined up to see Isaiah Oliver and executives in need of a quarterback got some one-on-one time with Mike McCartney, the agent for then free agent Kirk Cousins.

Phillip Lindsay had to do everything in his power to stand out, and he really did.

He ran a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and posted a 35.5-inch vertical jump, numbers that a player of any size would be ecstatic about.

Despite those numbers and despite his phenomenal career at Colorado, Lindsay was undrafted and signed with the Broncos over a number of other teams who came calling.

He’s now the lead back for his hometown team, leading the NFL with 6.1 yards per carry and nearly 1,000 yards of total offense with eight rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown, which was the Broncos’ first touchdown of the 2018 season.

He’s an electrifying playmaker with vision, elite burst and quickness, and big time speed. Lindsay is one of the best running backs in the NFL this year and has become a cornerstone piece for the Denver Broncos.