Will running back Royce Freeman bring balance to the Broncos offense?

ESPN.com took a look into the crystal ball this week to forecast how productive the top 10 rookie running backs will fare in their first seasons, and predictions put Denver Broncos third-round pick Royce Freeman in the top tier of rushers.

According to the prognosticators, Freeman will rush for 941 yards, a half-dozen touchdowns and catch 31 passes for roughly 250 yards and another score.

That type of production lands the rookie back fifth on the list, ahead of Sony Michel and Nick Chubb — two prospects many in Broncos Country wanted in orange and blue.

But if those stats come close to being accurate, not only will Freeman log a solid rookie campaign but the Broncos will likely have a well-balanced offense, “Stokley and Zach” host Zach Bye said Friday.

“I already know what Case Keenum can do when other things are working well around him. I think I do. Unless he falls on his face, which he could. I don’t believe he will,” Bye said of the Broncos newly-signed quarterback.

“But if you’re telling me we have a balanced running attack and Royce Freeman is going for 942, Devontae Booker’s going for 320, De’Angelo Henderson’s going for 300 as well, and they’re catching passes out of the backfield, which all three of those guys can do, it strikes me as a balanced offense.”

Last week, NFL Network analyst Bucky Brooks told “Schlereth and Evans” the Broncos are “well-positioned” to get back atop the AFC West because their offense can complement its stellar defense — a unit that ideally features an “upgrade” at running back in Freeman.

“I think you can hang your hat on him being one of the top guys,” Brook said.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @JohnnyHart7.