Broncos: UDFA success stories that never happen without preseason

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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 11: Phillip Lindsay #2 of the Denver Broncos runs the ball during a game against the Minnesota Vikings during week one of the preseason at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. The Vikings defeated the Broncos 42-28. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /

Phillip Lindsay, RB

Phillip Lindsay was not invited to the 2018 NFL Scouting Combine. He was not surprisingly then not selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, even by the Denver Broncos who drafted two other running backs in Royce Freeman and David Williams.

Lindsay’s small frame was a major reason he was not picked, but NFL teams screwed that one up badly.

Lindsay wasn’t even assigned a legitimate jersey number upon his arrival in Denver, wearing the no. 2 throughout his rookie preseason.

Lindsay’s training camp was fantastic, but it was the way he performed in preseason games that not only solidified his spot on the team but made him the Broncos’ top running back to open the 2018 season.

All he’s done since then is become the first undrafted player in NFL history to make the Pro Bowl as a rookie at the running back position, and the first undrafted player in NFL history to rush for 1,000-plus yards in back-to-back seasons to start his career.

Without the preseason, Lindsay’s camp may have still been enough to get him on the roster, but would he have been immediately on top of the depth chart like he was?

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