RB Devonta Freeman, BAL (2 Viewers)

[Zdravko]

I am assuming we are talking PPR, right? You would take David Cobb, David Johnson, Mike Davis ahead of Freeman? I wouldn't even consider trading him straight up for one of those rookies.

I can see an argument for Duke in PPR (based on the recent streak of good hype) and for Ajayi (if you believe in his health), although both are clearly second fiddles on their teams right now.

 

[Faust]

Breakout or bust? Studying sophomore RBs: Part 2

Excerpt:

Devonta Freeman, ATL

PRIMER

Devonta Freeman was a fourth-round selection by the Falcons in 2014 to serve as a change-of-pace for Steven Jackson, and did just that. Now, after an offseason of being showered with high-praise from the coaching staff, Freeman will be competing with new rookie Tevin Coleman for carries in the Falcons backfield.

2014 IN REVIEW

Freeman didn't exactly get much of a chance to prove himself on the ground in 2014 (65 carries), and was mostly used out of the shotgun. He did have a few nice runs out of more traditional formations, including a 31-yard touchdown gallop, but his primary role for the Falcons was to catch passes out of the backfield. Freeman has a good build for his 5-foot-8 frame, but still won't be moving a lot of piles or bowling backs over. He has some nice shiftiness, including a jump cut to help him get to the hole when he's pressured in the backfield. His vision is solid, and could be a nice asset for operating out of Kyle Shanahan's zone-blocking offense.

2015 AND BEYOND

The Falcons rushing attack was a mess last season, as evidenced by the lackluster yard-per-carry averages posted by their three main backs: Jackson (3.7), Freeman (3.8) and Jacquizz Rodgers (3.7). Per Pro Football Focus, only four teams were worse at run blocking than Atlanta, but that was partly due to a rash of injuries turning their offensive line into a revolving door of mediocrity. They will be healthy in 2015, employing a new system and blocking for two talented backs in Freeman and Coleman. Freeman has been getting first-team reps thus far in the offseason, but that could all change once the pads come on in late July. Even if Coleman does win the lion's share of the carries (as many analysts are expecting), there should be enough touches to go around for both him and Freeman to be successful.

2015 DRAFT VALUE

Surge: Freeman will be best suited for PPR leagues in general, with more upside if he wins the starting job over Coleman in camp. This is one of the key positional battles to watch as the season approaches.

 

[hxperson]

I am assuming we are talking PPR, right? You would take David Cobb, David Johnson, Mike Davis ahead of Freeman? I wouldn't even consider trading him straight up for one of those rookies.

I can see an argument for Duke in PPR (based on the recent streak of good hype) and for Ajayi (if you believe in his health), although both are clearly second fiddles on their teams right now.

It is a PPR league. I would take those guys over him, largely because I'd much rather have a running back picked by the current coaching staff than a holdover from a previous regime. Sure, Dimitroff is still in Atlanta, but I'm not sure how much longer he will be there. You just don't see running backs taken earlier in the draft stay shelved for unproven running backs taken later in the draft very often, barring significant injuries. I also don't feel that Freeman is particularly more talented than any of those three guys.

I'd put Duke significantly over Freeman as a more impressive player that is also a higher round draft pick and has less in front of him for a starting gig. Ajayi's injury risk scares me so I don't really like him much for dynasty, he's the one guy I might take Freeman over.

 

[Evil G]

All you naysayers convinced me to make a move. I just sold Freeman and my 2017 2nd to the Coleman Owner for a pair of 2016 2nd rounders...both project as early/mid, as the picks originate from teams likely won't make the playoffs. It didn't hurt my motivation that I was over the roster limit and needed to sell some players for picks anyway.

I still have Coleman and Freeman as a pair in my other Dynasty.

I'll hope you guys are right about Coleman.

 

[renesauz]

Huh....who is hyping Freeman? I haven't read many pro-Freeman comments on these boards. And in the mass media world, Rotoworld is going out of its way to spin ATL RB news in favor of Coleman - quite entertaining when the news is something like "Freeman running with the starters." So I don't see any Freeman hype. I think you are in line with the broad majority here.

What happens with Coleman now in the fold: I am not a big Freeman supporter, but for redraft purposes I suspect he might be a lowish RB2 bargain in PPR, as he will now be collecting Ryan's dumpoffs. I have him in one league and turned down a Coleman-for-Freeman straight-up offer a week ago. Don't think Coleman is ready to play yet. Barring injuries, Freeman should outtouch him 7:3 or 6:4. Don't have a view on their dynasty values, hard to predict without seeing Coleman in an actual NFL environment.

You obviously haven't read this thread.

I have but haven't really seen much hype after the draft. And in my dynasty leagues, the Freeman owners have all been trying to unload him and meanwhile I offered Freeman to the Coleman owner for a 2016 2nd in the only league I own him and was disdainfully told, "I am not interested in RB handcuffs."

After the 2015 draft? Obviously you aren't going to see much hype after that one, considering they drafted a RB with a higher pick than they used on Freeman. The poster I quoted said he hasn't read many pro-Freeman comments on these boards. Well, you don't have to look very far, there are quite a few of them in this thread alone.

If by pro-Freeman you mean guys who think Freeman is more likely to start or recieve the larger share of touches in a RBBC than Coleman, sure there's a few. If you mean guys who think Freeman is a stud in waiting and destined to become a top 10-15 RB year in and out.......crickets. Nobody is claiming that or anything close to it.

Put me in the camp that believes this could go in any direction, and think there's a reasonable chance Freeman holds off the rookie this year. I'd be far more comfortable holding both than either one alone.

 

[renesauz]

You are trying to change and avoid the issue, because you know there is no hype to talk about. I was obviously responding to the poster right above me.

But anyway, that's not important, let's drop it. I am much more interested in having a proper FF discussion about what people would accept / offer for Freeman

Wait, I'm the one trying to change and avoid the issue?

I quoted exactly what you wrote in black and white, where you said you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments on these boards. This very thread that you are posting in is filled with pro-Freeman comments. Now, if you meant you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments recently, then you should have just said that and I wouldn't have responded in the first place.

WOW....talk about a fececious BS response. Any reasonable peron would have assumed THIS OFFSEASON at the least, and more likely post draft.

 

[renesauz]

So....now that humpback has properly validated the conditionality of his (and georg's) hype comments to refer only to a pre-Coleman world...

...can we move on to Freeman?

Someone said they would sell for a mid-second. Looking at what are the comparable RBs at that point in rookie drafts, I think I would accept that immediately. Anyone else thinks its a good deal?

I would be a buyer at that price, especially in shallower leagues. We'll know about Freeman by October. Any other player taken mid 2nd or later you may have to hold for a year and a half before you know what you've got.

 

[humpback]

You are trying to change and avoid the issue, because you know there is no hype to talk about. I was obviously responding to the poster right above me.

But anyway, that's not important, let's drop it. I am much more interested in having a proper FF discussion about what people would accept / offer for Freeman

Wait, I'm the one trying to change and avoid the issue?

I quoted exactly what you wrote in black and white, where you said you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments on these boards. This very thread that you are posting in is filled with pro-Freeman comments. Now, if you meant you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments recently, then you should have just said that and I wouldn't have responded in the first place.

WOW....talk about a fececious BS response. Any reasonable peron would have assumed THIS OFFSEASON at the least, and more likely post draft.

Okay, guy.

 

[thunderguns]

You are trying to change and avoid the issue, because you know there is no hype to talk about. I was obviously responding to the poster right above me.

But anyway, that's not important, let's drop it. I am much more interested in having a proper FF discussion about what people would accept / offer for Freeman

Wait, I'm the one trying to change and avoid the issue? I quoted exactly what you wrote in black and white, where you said you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments on these boards. This very thread that you are posting in is filled with pro-Freeman comments. Now, if you meant you haven't seen many pro-Freeman comments recently, then you should have just said that and I wouldn't have responded in the first place.

WOW....talk about a fececious BS response. Any reasonable peron would have assumed THIS OFFSEASON at the least, and more likely post draft.

Yep. Seems pretty obvious based on context (i.e. when the post was made). If dude can't put 2+2 together that's on him.

 

[Faust]

Falcons running back Devonta Freeman ready for training camp battle:

http://espn.go.com/blog/atlanta-falcons/post/_/id/14466/falcons-running-back-devonta-freeman-ready-for-training-camp-battle

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Devonta Freeman - RB - Falcons

According to ESPN's Dianna Marie Russini, the Falcons believe Devonta Freeman is a the "right" fit in first-year OC Kyle Shanahan's scheme.

Russini suggests Freeman could be headed for a "big year." Russini makes no mention of flashy rookie Tevin Coleman, whom Atlanta drafted in the third round. Russini is a former Washington D.C.-area reporter and may have connections to Shanahan, who formerly coordinated the Redskins' offense. Most signs continue to point to a Coleman-Freeman committee in Atlanta's backfield.

Source: Dianna Marie Russini on Twitter

Jul 30 - 5:58 PM

 

[Slider]

Rotoworld can't like this. They like Coleman over Freeman so much it's become absurd.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution believes Devonta Freeman has the "upper hand" in the Falcons' running back competition, "right now."

Falcons beat writers unanimously consider Freeman the early favorite over Tevin Coleman, but this one is going to go down to the wire. The fact that Coleman handled first-team reps at Saturday's practice suggests the Falcons will seriously consider starting him. Still, this backfield seems headed for a committee, perhaps with Antone Smith also involved, and behind a weak offensive line. It could be a frustrating fantasy situation unless Coleman or Freeman clearly pulls away.

Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter

Aug 1 - 8:48 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

NFL.com's Ian Rapoport reports "the belief" is that Devonta Freeman's hamstring injury isn't serious, but that he could be sidelined for "a bit."

We're not dealing with an Arian Foster-type situation, but Freeman sounds more week to week than day to day. The same is apparently true of Tevin Coleman (hamstring), leaving Antone Smith as the lead dog in Kyle Shanahan's backfield for the time being.

Related: Tevin Coleman, Antone Smith

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter
Aug 6 - 3:00 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman's hamstring injuries are expected to sideline them for "a minimum" of two weeks.

Beat writer Vaughn McClure believes both are dealing with "Grade 1" hamstring strains. Coleman also underwent offseason surgery to repair a fractured foot, before running 4.39 at his pre-draft Pro Day. With Coleman and Freeman on the shelf, Antone Smith, Jerome Smith, Terron Ward, and Michael Ford will have to handle the running back reps at Falcons training camp.

Source: Vaughn McClure on Twitter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Falcons RB Devonta Freeman (hamstring) rejoined practice on Monday.

Freeman has been sidelined since August 6. Tevin Coleman (hamstring) also returned to practice on Monday, but both players will likely be limited. Freeman and Coleman seemed destined for a full-blown running back committee to open the season.

Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter
Aug 17 - 10:21 AM

 

[-jb-]

this is an eerily quiet situation.

 

[TripItUp]

this is an eerily quiet situation.

yes it is, hopefully we can get some good intel over the next few weeks.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

this is an eerily quiet situation.

They are going to throw it to julio every down. These rbs dont matter

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Falcons coach Dan Quinn said RBs Tevin Coleman (hamstring) and Devonta Freeman (hamstring) are game-time decisions for Friday night's game against the Jets.

Both players returned to practice on Monday after lengthy absences. Holding them out of the second preseason game would be the safe call, but the Falcons need to see what each player can do on the field. Without much time left to separate themselves in the competition, Freeman and Coleman will likely open the season in a timeshare.

Related: Devonta Freeman

Source: D. Orlando Ledbetter on Twitter
Aug 20 - 12:18 PM

 

[rascal]

hope they play...

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

ESPN Falcons reporter Vaughn McClure said RB Devonta Freeman (hamstring) is unlikely to play in the third preseason game Saturday.

Freeman returned to practice last week, so it is a bit concerning he is not healthy enough to play. Rookie Tevin Coleman (hamstring) is expected to play. He could put distance between himself and Freeman in the running back competition with a strong showing.

Related: Tevin Coleman

Source: ESPN

Aug 29 - 12:10 PM

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Devonta Freeman - RB - Falcons

The Falcons' official site reported RB Devonta Freeman is "still nursing" his preseason hamstring injury.

Freeman has been practicing for several weeks and reportedly had his "most active" practice of the preseason last Monday. He was held out of the final preseason game, however, and hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. We should get a better idea of Freeman's status following the Falcons first official practice this week.

Source: atlantafalcons.com

Sep 7 - 9:15 AM

 

[BoltBacker]

Rotoworld:

Devonta Freeman - RB - Falcons

The Falcons' official site reported RB Devonta Freeman is "still nursing" his preseason hamstring injury.

Freeman has been practicing for several weeks and reportedly had his "most active" practice of the preseason last Monday. He was held out of the final preseason game, however, and hamstring injuries have a tendency to linger. We should get a better idea of Freeman's status following the Falcons first official practice this week.

Source: atlantafalcons.com

Sep 7 - 9:15 AM

Not a criticism of you Faust, but these type of news blurbs might be my favorite of all; "We know absolutely nothing new and just felt you should know that."

 

[Slider]

Sounds to me like he had a pretty good practice Monday (best in a long time) and if he runs in the official practice he may play. Plenty of info in there for me.

 

[BoltBacker]

Sounds to me like he had a pretty good practice Monday (best in a long time) and if he runs in the official practice he may play. Plenty of info in there for me.

That was interesting information..... A week ago when it was reported.

 

[dgr81]

PFF has now bumped Freeman's projections for week 1 ahead of Tevin's.

Freeman also practiced in full on friday and has declared himself pain free.

 

[andyk803]

Starting with confidence.

 

[Devastation]

Ugh, FBG now calling him a passing downs back behind Coleman after pumping him pretty hard in the projections. Thinking hard about dumping him twice.

 

[Braktastic]

This just in... This guy sucks.

 

[Quez]

Freeman didn't look bad. A few of his carries he got blown up in the backfield. I doubt any RB could of made much of those situations. Tevin is better RB & had some explosive plays. However, Freeman isn't going anywhere. He definitely looks capable of doing everything. RBBC with Tevin seeing the majority. Nothing new here. I never expected him to be a 30+ carry back in the NFL.

Best case scenario is a steady RB3/ Flex in ppr with RB2 upside.

 

[johnnyboy8102]

PPR Flex at best in his current situation.

 

[lod01]

I gotta quit drafting these smaller RBs.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

this dude belongs on the bench, Coleman is better

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Freeman didn't look bad. A few of his carries he got blown up in the backfield. I doubt any RB could of made much of those situations. Tevin is better RB & had some explosive plays. However, Freeman isn't going anywhere. He definitely looks capable of doing everything. RBBC with Tevin seeing the majority. Nothing new here. I never expected him to be a 30+ carry back in the NFL.

Best case scenario is a steady RB3/ Flex in ppr with RB2 upside.

I thought he looked sluggish

 

[Loan Sharks]

This just in... This guy sucks.

Just in? Last year this guy was 4th string and they drafted another back because he wasn't good enough.

 

[Braktastic]

This just in... This guy sucks.

Just in? Last year this guy was 4th string and they drafted another back because he wasn't good enough.

And yet people were still drafting this guy this season like he had a chance at a starting gig; so, yeah, just in, again, as a reminder for the slow among us.

 

[Deamon]

Droppable in redraft non-ppr?

 

[LordHusker]

Ugh, FBG now calling him a passing downs back behind Coleman after pumping him pretty hard in the projections. Thinking hard about dumping him twice.

Yeah, FBG made the same awesome sort of draft day call on Crowell. These two mid-round picks are killing me.

 

[Zdravko]

Looked fine to me. Definitely not sluggish. Surely not as explosive as Coleman, but the gap is nowhere near as big as some here are eager to make it look. Very reliable as a receiver, practically always open for Ryan to dump off. He will be there just enough to get 40% of the touches and kill the already small upside for Coleman's owners.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Ugh, FBG now calling him a passing downs back behind Coleman after pumping him pretty hard in the projections. Thinking hard about dumping him twice.

Yeah, FBG made the same awesome sort of draft day call on Crowell. These two mid-round picks are killing me.

I similarly blame FBGs for all my bad choices, while giving myself all credit for the decisions that have played out well.

 

[Quez]

Looked fine to me. Definitely not sluggish. Surely not as explosive as Coleman, but the gap is nowhere near as big as some here are eager to make it look. Very reliable as a receiver, practically always open for Ryan to dump off. He will be there just enough to get 40% of the touches and kill the already small upside for Coleman's owners.

I agree with this. Freeman is a do everything, reliable RB. He might not have the flashes & upside of Coleman, but he will still see a good share of playing time.

 

[LordHusker]

Ugh, FBG now calling him a passing downs back behind Coleman after pumping him pretty hard in the projections. Thinking hard about dumping him twice.

Yeah, FBG made the same awesome sort of draft day call on Crowell. These two mid-round picks are killing me.

I similarly blame FBGs for all my bad choices, while giving myself all credit for the decisions that have played out well.

You sound like a really swell person to be around.Freeman is what he is; there's value, but it is definitely looking like RBBC with Coleman getting the edge. Shipping Freeman to the Coleman owner might be the best strategy if you can get something decent in return.

 

[chet]

I drafted him in both of my leagues but dumped him in one last night for Cunningham and will dump him in the other one tonight. At least I will get a start out of Cunningham.

 

[zoonation]

I drafted him in both of my leagues but dumped him in one last night for Cunningham and will dump him in the other one tonight. At least I will get a start out of Cunningham.

wow. cunningham will be splitting this week and droppable next.

 

[iamkoza]

I thought Freeman was OK Monday night. But Coleman definitely caught my eye. If Coleman got hurt Freeman would be a solid rb start in all formats

 

[Milkman]

Freeman sucks. He shouldn't have ever been drafted.

 

[Alex P Keaton]

Ugh, FBG now calling him a passing downs back behind Coleman after pumping him pretty hard in the projections. Thinking hard about dumping him twice.

Yeah, FBG made the same awesome sort of draft day call on Crowell. These two mid-round picks are killing me.

I similarly blame FBGs for all my bad choices, while giving myself all credit for the decisions that have played out well.

You sound like a really swell person to be around.Freeman is what he is; there's value, but it is definitely looking like RBBC with Coleman getting the edge. Shipping Freeman to the Coleman owner might be the best strategy if you can get something decent in return.

Thanks, ditto! I was giving you grief, relax and don't take yourself so seriously. Good luck with Freeman - he will be fine in PPR

 

[Bob Magaw]

Looked fine to me. Definitely not sluggish. Surely not as explosive as Coleman, but the gap is nowhere near as big as some here are eager to make it look. Very reliable as a receiver, practically always open for Ryan to dump off. He will be there just enough to get 40% of the touches and kill the already small upside for Coleman's owners.

Coleman had 20 carries. If he continues to dominate there, he could have more than small upside, and Freeman won't be killing it. Upside is relative. For where he was likely drafted, it could be significant.

 

[Zdravko]

Looked fine to me. Definitely not sluggish. Surely not as explosive as Coleman, but the gap is nowhere near as big as some here are eager to make it look. Very reliable as a receiver, practically always open for Ryan to dump off. He will be there just enough to get 40% of the touches and kill the already small upside for Coleman's owners.

Coleman had 20 carries. If he continues to dominate there, he could have more than small upside, and Freeman won't be killing it. Upside is relative. For where he was likely drafted, it could be significant.

That bolded part, I fully agree with. He will probably be solid value at his ADP and I regret passing on him a couple times relatively late.

The 2:1 split is very realistic going forward, but 20 carries seems a high mark. I would be surprised if they continue to run 30 times per game. Playing with a 20-3 lead for a long time might have skewed this. He will need to get and convert on the GL work.