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Denver Broncos: Royce Freeman could make an immediate splash

By Maxwell Ogden

EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 28: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - OCTOBER 28: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Utah Utes at Autzen Stadium on October 28, 2017 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Broncos selected Royce Freeman in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft. Freeman could make an immediate splash for a franchise in need.

The Denver Broncos parted ways with standout running back C.J. Anderson on April 16, 2018. It was a somewhat expected decision from an organization that knew it would have to clear cap space in the midst of an active offseason.

With Anderson out of the picture, however, the Broncos entered the 2018 NFL Draft with a void to fill at the running back position.

Anderson ran for 1,007 yards and three touchdowns in 2017, adding 224 receiving yards and another score on 28 receptions. It wasn’t an elite season, but finding a 1,000-yard rusher is far easier said than done.

In the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, the Broncos addressed the need to replace Anderson by selecting Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman.

The opinions about Freeman vary, but he has the potential to both account for and exceed Anderson’s value to the Broncos.

Freeman carries the stigma of being an Oregon Ducks running back—the equivalent of being an Air Raid quarterback, in many eyes. He’s the complete package, however, with healthy and fit Eddie Lacy potential at the next level.

Standing at 6’0″ and 229 pounds with 4.54 speed, long and strong arms, a powerful frame, and spatial quickness, Freeman is a force on the ground.

He proved as much by running for 5,621 yards and 60 touchdowns during his four-year career, averaging 5.9 yards per carry.

Freeman also amassed 79 receptions for 814 yards and four touchdowns during his time at Oregon. The key to his success, however, is the combination of size, strength, and burst that enable him to move the chains on third down and catch defenses off guard on first down.

Freeman amassed a class-leading 7.08 yards per first down carry in 2017—an appealing truth for a Denver team that averaged 3.6 yards per first down carry in 2017.

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With Case Keenum under center, talent at wide receiver, and a defense that’s hungry to return to form, Royce Freeman could be the bridge for the Denver Broncos.

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