Phillip Lindsay has ‘a shot to make’ the 2018 Broncos squad

May 1, 2018, 2:07 PM

Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes stiff arms Keifer Glau #39 the Northern Colorado Bears at Folsom Field on September 16, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. Lindsay was among the undrafted college free agents to sign with the Denver Broncos after the 2018 NFL Draft. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Sure, Royce Freeman might be the headliner running back pick up for the Denver Broncos in last weekend’s NFL Draft.

He put up “prolific numbers” during his time in the Pac 12, “The Drive” co-host Alfred Williams said Monday, and he’s a “hell of a football player.”

“He is impressive. He makes guys miss. He runs through guys. He was a great high school player,” Williams said. “He profiles as a No. 1 guy.”

But while Freeman may be the top rusher in the Broncos running back room come September, undrafted college free agent Phillip Lindsay could contribute enough to earn a roster spot, Williams said.

“He was a great player at the University of Colorado. Super productive,” Williams said. “And I think that he’s going to have a shot to make this team.”

The former Buffs rusher doesn’t necessarily profile as a running back to select in the draft, Williams said, but players of his ilk find their way onto rosters all the time.

“Phillip Lindsay is not a tall guy. He’s not a guy who’s going to have blazing speed. But, when you look at him on film, all he does is make the tough run, he makes the tough yardage, he catches the football, and he plays with the heart of a lion,” Williams said.

“… Those guys don’t necessarily garner draft spots in the NFL. But there is a spot for those guys on every team in the NFL.”

Williams believes that Lindsay could give 2017 rookie running back De’Angelo Henderson some competition at the position. However, “Pritchard and Cecil” co-host Mike Prichard said expected No. 1 running back Devontae Booker has been put on notice.

“He’s got a great opportunity here. He really does,” Pritchard said. “It’s nice to see a kid that went to school right here at CU sign with the Broncos, but it’s not just because of that. It’s because he’s got a great opportunity to make this football team.

“They don’t have that type of player. Who’s that type of player? Hey Devontae Booker, better wake up. You better wake up.”

In 51 games over four years at CU, Lindsay rushed for 3,775 yards — at a clip of 4.9 yards per run — and 36 touchdowns.

Out of the backfield, Lindsay also caught 117 passes for the Buffaloes, racking up 1,084 yards and three touchdowns.

Follow digital content producer Johnny Hart on Twitter: @johnnyhart7.