The Denver Broncos have announced that rookie Royce Freeman will begin the season as their starting running back.

Rookies have led the NFL in rushing in each of the last two seasons.

The Broncos drafted Freeman with the 71st overall pick.

"He can carry the load from a physical standpoint and a mental standpoint," Vance Joseph said. "He was really good in pass [protection]. That's your biggest worry about having a young halfback playing with a veteran quarterback -- the pass issues."

Freeman will become the first rookie tailback to start for the Broncos since 1995 (Terrell Davis).