The Atlanta Falcons have three running backs hitting the free agent market come March 10. Atlanta's general manager, new head coach and new offensive coordinator have expressed their liking for rookie running back Devonta Freeman and it looks like he could be starting for the team in 2015.
Freeman logged 65 carries for 248 yards and one touchdown while also hauling in 30 passes for 225 yards and a score last season. The 22-year-old was selected in the fourth round of the 2014 NFL Draft out of Florida State after amassing 1,106 yards and 14 touchdowns on 173 carries during his junior season with the National Champion Seminoles.
General Manager Thomas Dimitroff said Freeman is capable of being the team's feature back; head coach Dan Quinn said he is "tailor-made" for the new offensive scheme; and offensive Kyle Shanahan said he "loved" Freeman coming out of the NFL Draft last year.
Atlanta released veteran starter Steven Jackson on Thursday, which all but named Freeman the starter for 2015. However, now that the Falcons cleared some space ($3.75 million) and are preparing for the upcoming draft, it's likely they bring in other backs to create some competition in training camp. Freeman is still young and has a lot to learn, especially in an offense with experienced veterans Matt Ryan and Roddy White as well as the talented Julio Jones.
But with Shanahan running the offense, Freeman might be put in a good position to succeed. Shanahan was offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns last season and rookie running backs Terrence West and Isaiah Crowell registered solid campaigns. West rushed for 673 yards and four touchdowns on 171 carries while Crowell added 607 yards and eight touchdowns on 148 carries. In fact, the Browns liked them both enough to release veteran Ben Tate in the middle of the season.
The Falcons have the eighth overall pick in the upcoming draft, so it's highly unlikely they use that pick on a running back. Their top needs are a pass rusher, tight end and defensive back, which means they'll probably select a running back in the later rounds after they address other immediate needs.
Once free agency winds down we'll get a better idea of Freeman's status heading into the 2015 season.
