There are many reasons for the Denver Broncos 2-0 start to the 2018 season, but no other reason seems as impactful as the production from the Broncos rookies so far. How impactful have the Broncos rookies been? Take this tweet for evidence.
Broncos rookie class making big contributions to team's 2-0 start.
RB @rolls_royce21, WR @SuttonCourtland & RB @I_CU_boy have combined for most off. yds. (366) by an NFL rookie class thru 2 gms since the '94 Colts (379).
LB @astronaut also leads NFL rookies w/8 QB pressures. pic.twitter.com/jPsPnym2iF
— Patrick Smyth (@psmyth12) September 18, 2018
Thus far, the offensive rookies are collectively, and individually, breaking records. First-year running back Phillip Lindsay is the first undrafted rookie to have 100-or-more yards from scrimmage in his each of his first two games in NFL history. In addition to Lindsay’s personal accolade, when combining his total yardage with rookies Royce Freeman and Courtland Sutton, the Broncos offensive rookies have combined for the most offensive yards (366) of any rookie class through two games since the 1994 Indianapolis Colts (379).
Individually, each of the Broncos offensive rookies have been solid. Lindsay has been the best offensive first-year player for the Broncos being that he has already racked up 178 yards rushing on 29 carries as well as four receptions for 35 yards. Sutton is currently the Broncos fourth-leading receiver thanks to his 54 yards receiving including two catches of 20-or-more yards. Freeman, who is the Broncos starting running back as a rookie, has accumulated 99 yards on 23 caries through two games.
It is not just the offensive youngsters that are producing at a high level, either. The Broncos first-round pick Bradley Chubb leads all rookies with eight quarterback pressures through two games. As a cherry on top, Pro Football Focus has Chubb has the fifth-highest graded first-round pick through the first two games of the season.
Bradley Chubb has been impressive for the Denver Broncos so far.
See how every first rounder has graded through two weeks ($)
๐ ๐ ๐ https://t.co/LeUwJGAXBu
(via @PFF_Chichester) pic.twitter.com/pnc6TxgqsK
— PFF (@PFF) September 18, 2018
There were two things the Broncos desperately needed improve on from 2017 to 2018. The first was that they were in need of another pass rusher to help alleviate the pressure on Von Miller’s shoulders. The second was that the Broncos needed more offensive weapons. With Chubb, Sutton, Lindsay, and Freeman, it seems as if the Broncos have successfully improved their biggest roster issues in one singular draft class.