BOULDER, CO - SEPTEMBER 23: Phillip Lindsay #23 of the Colorado Buffaloes carries the ball against the Washington Huskies at Folsom Field on September 23, 2017 in Boulder, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Undrafted free agent Phillip Lindsay, a running back from Colorado, has been getting ‘a lot’ of work with the Denver Broncos’ top offense…

It seemed interesting if even a little strange that Denver Broncos veteran linebacker Brandon Marshall would go out of his way to compliment rookie running back Phillip Lindsay, an undrafted free agent from Colorado.

Why was a starting linebacker talking about an undrafted rookie?

The only explanation was initially elusive but after Bill Musgrave’s revelation that Lindsay was working with the first-team offense ‘a lot’, this comment from Marshall made more sense:

.@BMarshh is impressed by @I_CU_boy (pictured here at Shrine Game practice) during offseason work, telling @OrangeBlue760: "He'll be a good scatback. I think he'll be a great third-down back. He's quick. I think he can create some matchup problems."https://t.co/oOqpEkh1Lw pic.twitter.com/zQyVvty8Jv — Andrew Mason (@MaseDenver) June 12, 2018

Some have compared Lindsay to Washington Redskins running back Chris Thompson, who has indeed carved out a fine role as a third-down back in the NFL.

Over the past two seasons, Thompson has really shown his development as an all-around matchup problem for opposing defenses, racking up 11 total touchdowns offensively and getting some great work as a receiver out of the backfield.

Catching passes out of the backfield and making plays in space with quickness, speed, and strength are among Phillip Lindsay’s greatest strengths.

Lindsay has certainly endeared himself to the Broncos’ coaching staff with his incredible work ethic and a gigantic chip on his shoulder after not getting invited to the Scouting Combine and not getting drafted.

In hindsight, the Broncos probably could have afforded to use their last selection in the draft on Lindsay just to give him the chance to hear his name called.

But perhaps going undrafted will be a critical piece of Lindsay’s overall story arc as an NFL player. He’s in a great situation in Denver in a young running back group where he is really the only one that has the specific set of skills he brings to the table.

Devontae Booker is more of a finesse back who can catch passes and get upfield as a zone runner.

Royce Freeman is a punisher with great vision.

De’Angelo Henderson is the new ‘Sonic’ style back, built incredibly well for his size with a combination of speed, power, and quickness that is very rare.

Lindsay isn’t a power back, but he’s a playmaker in space with excellent speed, burst, acceleration, and pass catching ability.

Those skills have gotten him ‘a lot’ of play with the top offense and even though it’s early it really does feel like Lindsay’s odds of making the final roster are better than not.