Following a quiet rookie season and a coaching change, Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman appeared to be on the outside looking in when it came to the depth chart. New head coach Dan Quinn invested a third-round pick last offseason into Tevin Coleman who started the season as Atlanta's No. 1 back before he was sidelined by an injury. Of course, this opened up the door for Freeman to make a second first impression and he took full advantage of the opportunity.
Freeman was fantasy football's highest-scoring running back with 218 points this past season. But Falcons fans and fantasy owners want to know if it was a fluke season or a sign of things to come. On that score, ESPN NFL Insider Field Yates weighs in.
"There was a stretch this season (Weeks 3-7) where Freeman was as impactful as any running back in football," Yates wrote. "He emerged in an Atlanta backfield following an injury to Tevin Coleman, establishing himself as an exceptional runner and receiver. Freeman has a low center of gravity, hits the hole with decisiveness, does not shy away from contact and is a terrific pass-catcher. His ability to play in any offensive situation - and play a ton of snaps - reminds of Matt Forte. There is no glaring hole in Freeman's game. For fantasy football purposes, Freeman will likely be a top-projected back in 2016. His well-rounded, dependable game is no fluke: he's a stud back to build around. He's not the top back in football, but he's a true workhorse who has a spot in the top 10."
The running back position has become perilously thin in fantasy football over the last few years. Along with Pittsburgh's Le'Veon Bell and Los Angeles' Todd Gurley (and maybe Minnesota's Adrian Peterson), Freeman is the only other back that merits first-round consideration. But when looking at the numbers from last year it's easy to see why.
Freeman finished seventh in the league in rushing yards (1,061), tied for first in rushing touchdowns (11) and ninth in rushing yards per game (70.7). He also added a whopping 73 receptions, 578 receiving yards and three additional scores through the air. His significant role in the passing game and goal line duties provide him with ample opportunity to produce. When you couple that workload with his natural talent, you get one of the top fantasy backs in the NFL.
