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.