NFL 2018: Predicting the top 5 rookie running backs

2. Royce Freeman, Denver Broncos 

You’ll have to think hard about an running back out of Oregon that dominated in the NFL. Of all the backs before him, none possessed the raw power Royce Freeman has. Freeman is 5-11 and nearly 230 pounds, and he’s a downhill runner with traits of an old-school power back. The art of the power running game may be lost among some teams, but the Broncos undoubtedly understand the importance of it. Why else would they institute Bill Musgrave as the offensive coordinator?

From 2011-13 as the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator, he employed a power running game that led to Adrian Peterson having a career year with over 2,000 rushing yards. While Freeman doesn’t possess the same gifts as AP, he does have the skill-set to carry the load for the Broncos.

As a matter of fact, Yahoo sports writer Brad Evans announced via Twitter that Freeman could be the Broncos lead back.

"“Hearing from my Broncos source Royce Freeman exhibiting characteristics of a lead RB early in camp. Running with quick acceleration, power, and assertiveness. Needs to improve in pass pro, but presumably in the current lead for early down work. Stay tuned.”"

Whether or not Freeman starts off the season as RB1 doesn’t matter. Devontae Booker hasn’t been overly impressive given the opportunity. Still, the Broncos have favored powered backs, as they did with C.J. Anderson, who carried the ball 247 times and rushed for over 1,000 yards in 2017. There’s a great chance Freeman sees similar numbers and could have better production. 

1. Saquon Barkley, New York Giants 

Having Saquon Barkley at No. 1 on this list isn’t us just playing into the hype. Barkley is the unequivocal starter for the New York Giants. If his draft position wasn’t evidence enough, to consider the talent he has around him making it impossible for opposing defenses to stack the box.

Eli Manning is a future Hall-of-Famer. Additionally, Odell Beckham Jr. will be playing for a new contract, as if he needed more incentive to dominate, in addition to Sterling Shepard and tight end Evan Engram spreading the field. The offensive line is also much improved with Nate Solder at tackle and one of the toughest and best run-blocking guards in the draft, Will Hernandez. 

Barkley will get every opportunity to get the ball and should dominate the same way Ezekiel Elliot did in 2016. It’s hard to shy away from a back who has a great situation. Barring injury, Barkley should run away with Offensive Rookie of the Year, or at least be the leading rusher among rookie running backs.