What You Need to Know:

-- Freeman outperformed Phillip Lindsay in the passing game last year.

-- Melvin Gordon has arrived to take over the backfield.

When the 2019 season ended, Freeman looked like a solid #2 RB in a split backfield. He did lose workload to Phillip Lindsay after spending much of the year sharing pretty evenly. But the offseason quickly changed things.

First, the Broncos switched from 1st-time OC Rich Scangarello to fired Giants HC (and longtime NFL coaching vet) Pat Shurmur. Then, they signed Melvin Gordon in free agency to a contract that makes him the 7th-highest paid RB in average salary for 2020.

As long as Gordon and Lindsay are healthy, Freeman looks like the clear #3 back here. Should Gordon go down, though, Freeman not only topped Lindsay in every receiving category last year. He also garnered more snaps in route and more pass-blocking opportunities, according to Pro Football Focus.

Draft Sharks Bottom Line:

Freeman doesn’t match Phillip Lindsay’s upside as a runner. But he passed Lindsay in every passing-down category in their shared 2nd season. If Melvin Gordon goes down, that could mean a more even split of work between Lindsay and Freeman than their rushing numbers might suggest.

That said, Freeman’s more waiver fodder than a draft option for most fantasy leagues. Outside of redraft, though, it’s worth remembering that Freeman is more than 1.5 years younger than Lindsay.