Denver Broncos: Looking ahead for the stellar 2018 rookie class

DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 15: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - DECEMBER 15: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, CO – DECEMBER 15: Running back Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos smiles as he stands on the field before a game against the Cleveland Browns at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on December 15, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)

Phillip Lindsay, RB

Just about every Denver Broncos fan was excited when the team took a shot after the 2018 NFL Draft on Colorado Buffaloes running back and local kid Phillip Lindsay.

Lindsay, the quintessential ‘underdog’, came out in 2018 and blew anybody’s wildest expectations out of the water.

He went from undrafted to starter to All-Rookie to Pro Bowler in less than a year. Lindsay was absolutely outstanding as a rookie, and became arguably the most popular player on the entire team.

https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1088999476671459328

Only Case Keenum touched the ball more in the Broncos’ offense this season than Lindsay, who got the rock 227 times and totaled 1,278 yards from scrimmage with 10 total touchdowns, including the team’s first touchdown of the season against the Seattle Seahawks.

Lindsay averaged 15 touches per game this past season, and was incredibly efficient on those touches. He showed he’s not just a scat back or third-down back, but a featured back who is capable of absolutely taking over games.

Lindsay’s incredible speed and burst were instrumental in the Broncos’ offensive success this past season, even though the team as a whole only won six games.

He was incredibly impressive but ended the season on a sour note with a wrist injury against the Oakland Raiders. Hopefully, that injury isn’t going to keep Lindsay down and out for too long, but there will be a recovery process and a period of uncertainty over the offseason for the Broncos’ star back.

Going forward, Lindsay should be expected to be a focal point of the Broncos’ offensive attack, even if he’s not getting the ball 25 times a game. He is a star.

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