Denver Broncos: Royce Freeman the best running back option

Denver Broncos rookie Royce Freeman is reportedly pushing to take the starting running back job, and he should based on what we’ve seen.

Over the past two seasons, the Denver Broncos questionably effective rushing attack has been led by C.J. Anderson. In 2017, he led the team with 1,007 yards with a 4.1 yards per carry average. The previous season he missed over half the season, but still led the team in yards per game at 62.4. However, Anderson is no longer in Denver, meaning they have questions to answer.

With Anderson’s departure and prior to the 2018 NFL Draft, many would’ve assumed that 2016 fourth-round pick Devontae Booker would take the reins. However, the Broncos took another running back in 2018 draft, selecting Royce Freeman out of Oregon with the seventh pick in the third round. And now it appears Booker’s starting job is already close to being given to the rookie.

According to reports out of minicamp, Freeman looked the part of a feature back. And a report from Jeff Legwold at ESPN.com said that head coach Vance Joseph “absolutely” had Freeman in the conversation to be the starting running back for the Broncos in 2018. When you take that and then look at Booker’s run in the NFL to this point in addition to Freeman’s potential, it seems as if the former Duck is in line for a big role in year one.

While Denver hasn’t been the type of team to ride one back heavily over the past decade, the first year under Joseph saw Anderson dwarf his backfield mates in touches as he had 166 more carries than Booker and led all running backs in targets on the team.

Freeman has the skill set to slot directly in that role. While no one trait of his jumps off the page, he has the unique combination of size, power and solid speed that could make him an overall threat. He has the ability to catch the ball out of the backfield, but also to make plays between the tackles and bouncing outside. He can truly make an impact in whatever way he’s used.

Contrarily, the argument could be made that Booker has yet to show he can be effective in any regard. Granted he’s been an RB2 and getting sporadic work, but he’s average a meager 3.6 yards per carry to this point in his career, and that may even be kind to the lack of effectiveness and skill he’s shown on tape.

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All told, Freeman is the best option that this Broncos offense has to be a featured back in the offense. With Case Keenum coming in at quarterback, they’ll need to move the ball at least somewhat effectively on the ground to help him stay comfortable by keeping defenses honest. Their best chance of doing that is with the rookie, and he should only further prove that as training camp rolls around.