Royce Freeman Has Opportunity To Emerge As No. 1 Back
6 years agoDenver Broncos rookie running back Royce Freeman may have the best shot of any rookie runner not named Saquon Barkley to emerge as a true No. 1 back for their team. Freeman was more impressive than Devontae Booker in the first preseason game with four carries for 38 yards, including a 23-yard touchdown. ESPN.com's Jeff Legwold stresses that, "He's just too big, too fast not to play, and he runs with vision." Legwold also said, "I think the optimism is justified. At minimum he splits carries, and I think he will be the primary back before too long. Now, that might not mean 250 carries, but he's going to get work and already blocks well enough to play on third down and in some of the open formations. And he'll get red zone chances, too." Freeman has RB2 upside but is probably better taken as an RB3/flex type. He should continue to rise on draft boards if he keeps outplaying Booker for a lead-back role.
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett
Source: ESPN.com - Mike Triplett