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Comparing the 2018 Denver Broncos rookies vs. 2017 New Orleans Saints

By Sayre Bedinger

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 25: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 25: Phillip Lindsay #30 of the Denver Broncos carries the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during player introductions before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 25: Outside linebacker Bradley Chubb #55 of the Denver Broncos stands on the field during player introductions before a game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on November 25, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Justin Edmonds/Getty Images) /

Why the Broncos’ class is special

The Broncos, unlike the Saints, had the benefit of starting off the 2018 rookie class by selecting one of the top players on their draft board overall.

In fact, Bradley Chubb may have been the top player on the Broncos’ board in general after his stellar career at North Carolina State, and he’s picked up in the NFL right where he left off in college.

Chubb has 10 sacks for the Broncos in 12 games this year, and is contending for defensive rookie of the year honors with hopes of breaking Jevon Kearse’s 20-year old rookie sack record (14.5). He’s proving to be a quick study of NFL offenses, showing growth against the run and as an all-around edge player throughout the season.

He’s been every bit as impactful as the Broncos as Lattimore was for the Saints as a rookie.

Phillip Lindsay, the undrafted rookie out of Colorado, has been the crown jewel for the rookie class and the diamond in the rough no one expected.

The Broncos drafted two running backs in Royce Freeman (who has been very good) and David Williams (who took an opportunity elsewhere) but Lindsay has been the offensive superstar this team craved.

Lindsay doesn’t have Drew Brees to manipulate defenses and get him the ball at as high of a rate as Kamara does, but the Broncos have seen him go from undrafted kid to big time NFL star in no time. He’s leading the NFL with over six yards per carry as a rookie and has 10 total touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards of total offense.

The Broncos are also getting significant contributions offensively from Courtland Sutton, who is averaging almost 20 yards per catch and leads the league in that category as well. Sutton has been so good, the team felt comfortable trading away veteran Demaryius Thomas.

Josey Jewell has played a critical role for the Broncos all year whether on special teams or on defense, and DaeSean Hamilton is set for a big role down the stretch with Emmanuel Sanders down and out with an Achilles injury.

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