What ‘Black Friday steals’ exist on the Broncos 2018 roster?
Nov 23, 2018, 2:54 PM | Updated: 4:59 pm
In the spirit of Black Friday, where finding the ultimate deal is the goal, “Stokley and Zach” examined what “steals” the Denver Broncos have on their own roster.
Phillip Lindsay
“A flat-out steal,” says Brandon Stokley, Broncos rookie Phillip Lindsay may be not only the best bargain on Denver’s roster but also throughout the entire NFL.
An undrafted free agent out of the University of Colorado, Lindsay signed a three-year deal with the Broncos worth $1.725 million, according to Spotrac.com.
Through 10 games — only three starts — Lindsay ranks ninth in the NFL with 670 rushing yards — among rookie running backs he’s second behind No. 2 overall pick Saquon Barkley (728).
Lindsay also has the 12th-most rushing touchdowns and ranks fifth in yards per attempt (5.5).
“We were hoping for something from him, and he’s far exceeded every expectation. He’s been a big, big boost for this offense,” Stokley said. “It’s been fun to watch him, and to know that he’s just a rookie and he’s going to be around for a while, that’s great. It’s one of those pieces that you need.”
The entire Broncos rookie class
(Photo by Andy Cross/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
Putting Lindsay in his own category, Zach Bye also heralded the remaining members of the Broncos 2018 rookie class as “Black Friday steals” for the club.
“I look at the rookie class and rookie deals. Without this rookie class, the Broncos are lost. They’re lost,” Bye said. “And the fact that you got them on cheap deals allows the Broncos a little bit of flexibility at important skill positions over the next couple of years.”
Combined, all the Broncos rookie class makes up just 6.44 percent of Denver’s cap, with more than a third of that taken up by No. 5-overall pick Bradley Chubb (2.65 percent).
However, Broncos rookies have made 27 total starts over five different positions in 2018, including each of the club’s 10 games for Chubb.
Chris Harris Jr.
(Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
Once again, Chris Harris Jr. is having a Pro Bowl-caliber year in 2018.
Having started as the No. 1 cornerback in all 10 of Denver’s games, Harris has two interceptions, one pick-six, eight passes defensed, 33 tackles, and one sack. According to Pro Football Focus, Harris grades out as the eighth-best cornerback in the entire NFL.
But, at a contract average of just $8.5 million a year, Harris ranks 21st among all NFL cornerbacks.
“When you look back, Chris Harris. The deal that you got on him,” Stokley said. And still now, he’s making below-market. “… He was one of those types of guys who you got a great bargain on for a long time and you still really are. You got him under a good contract when you did re-sign him.”
Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.
