Fansided

10 NFL rookies who improved their stock in Week 1 of preseason

By Ian Wharton

SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to the start of an NFL preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CA - AUGUST 09: Michael Gallup #13 of the Dallas Cowboys warms up prior to the start of an NFL preseason game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium on August 9, 2018 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – AUGUST 11: Running back Royce Freeman #37 of the Denver Broncos carries for a 23 yard second quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – AUGUST 11: Running back Royce Freeman #37 of the Denver Broncos carries for a 23 yard second quarter touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during an NFL preseason game at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /

9. Royce Freeman, RB, Denver Broncos

It comes as no surprise that a player who left a major program at Oregon with 5,621 yards on 947 carries is NFL-ready. Royce Freeman was a steal as a third-round pick this past draft class, boasting a terrific combine to go with his production. The new Denver Broncos running back was the best ball-carrier on the field as he amassed 38 yards on just four carries, including a 23-yard touchdown.

Freeman entered his first preseason game as the backup to Devontae Booker. Booker struggled in his own rookie season as fumbles led him to an early benching, and then he never gained confidence as the season spiraled out of control. This is an open job that Freeman made a strong push for.

Both are experienced runners in a zone scheme, and are capable receivers. With factors including explosive plays, mastering the playbook, can pass-protect, and limit fumbles, it’s significant that Freeman had a breakout performance already. He may lock in the starting job in the next two weeks if he continues to maximize his workload.