Royce Freeman, on the Broncos’ depth chart: ‘we can’t focus on things like that’

Royce Freeman was selected by the Denver Broncos in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft and has been in a competition for the starting running back position with Devontae Booker. Freeman is the Pac-12 career rushing touchdowns leader (60) and could contribute mightily to a Broncos offense that only scored 27 touchdowns last season.

Speaking to Eric Goodman and Les Shapiro of Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7, Freeman talked about the team’s depth chart, where he stands, and his thoughts on his first training camp.

The Broncos released their first depth chart on Tuesday, and while it listed Booker as the starting running back, Freeman — who was listed as second-string — isn’t thinking about that yet. “I think we should all should just come out here and focus on competing. I think we can’t focus on things like that [the depth chart].”

Freeman was one of the most productive running backs in Pac-12 history (first-team All-Pac-12 in 2015, second-team All-Pac-12 in 2014 and 2017), but the adjustment to the NFL can be tough on anyone.

“I feel like as you get more repetition, the more things will become more familiar [for] you,” Freeman continued. “The more you see it in film and the more you actually see it on the field, the more familiar you become with it.”

The Broncos have one of the youngest running back rooms in the NFL, but Freeman explained that play on the field is all that matters. “[Age] doesn’t mean anything,” said Freeman. “We’re honestly trying to make each other better. I think competition is our greatest point right now. We’re pushing each other in the film room and out on the field, and it’s going to make this core pretty strong.”

Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.

Sorry – this audio content is no longer available.

Catch Afternoon Drive with Goodman and Shapiro every weekday from 4p-6p on Mile High Sports AM 1340 | FM 104.7 or stream live any time for the best local coverage of Colorado sports from Denver’s biggest sports talk lineup. Download the all-new free Mile High Sports Radio mobile app for Apple or Android.