Denver Broncos brick, mortar and scrap: Running backs

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball enroute to scoring a third-quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 3: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball enroute to scoring a third-quarter touchdown against the Cleveland Browns at Empower Field at Mile High on November 3, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Denver Broncos
DENVER, COLORADO – DECEMBER 01: Royce Freeman #28 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Los Angeles Chargers in the third quarter at Empower Field at Mile High on December 01, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Royce Freeman

As Lindsay’s fellow teammate from the 2018 class, Freeman was originally thought to be the bell cow back for the Broncos.

Through his first two seasons as a Bronco, Freeman has averaged 673 yards from scrimmage and 5 TDs.  While the numbers may not look bad, on the surface, it was the thought of what Freeman should have been that has most of Broncos Country disappointed in him.

After setting multiple records at the University of Oregon, Freeman was a highly regarded back in the NFL Draft and was made the 71st overall selection in the 2018 Draft. Considering the number of successful backs being taken in that range, Freeman has fallen short of expectations and has permanently taken a back seat to Lindsay in the RB room.

Freeman has disappointed some fans to the point where they are calling for his potential release. While I understand the frustration, the thought of Freeman being released is laughable.

He’s halfway through his rookie contract. Considering his size and skill set, he can still be a capable “thunder” to Lindsay’s “lightning”.  Even if the Broncos do bring in another back to fill that role, Freeman will probably have a place on this team in 2020 and be in a position to be a healthy contributor.

2020 Status: Mortar