Devonta Freeman, RB Atlanta Falcons Rookie Fantasy Spotlight
Byron Lambert, Rosterwatch.com

Devonta Freeman out of Florida State is a running back with the skills to play on all three downs in the NFL. Of the prospects that we scouted live over the course our spring RosterWatch Pro Day Tour, Freeman was one of our favorites. He doesn’t light it up in any one particular area, but he’s sneaky good at everything including pass blocking and catching the football. The kid also has tremendous character, and will be a terrific addition to the Atlanta Falcons locker room.

Coming out of a Seminole backfield by committee, Freeman was a bit under the radar during the NFL Draft process- due in large part to the tremendous depth of running back talent available in this year’s rookie crop. There were some legitimate arguments that Freeman belonged in the top three of the class. In many ways he fell into the same category as other more notable backs of the dynamic medium-sized variety, such as Bishop Sankey and Tre Mason. The knock is he’s not quite the shifty or explosive athlete those two are, but again he comes to the NFL more well-rounded than either.

It’s a perfect fit in Atlanta for all of the aforementioned reasons. The Falcons are a team ready to win now, and need somebody that’s not a knucklehead who can contribute right away in all phases. Considering we hate Steven Jackson, and are completely unimpressed with Quizz Rodgers- we believe this shapes up in the form of immediate opportunity for Freeman. He should get plenty of run early, and could seize the lead role by mid-season. Of course, however it happens we do expect some form of committee this year. We also expect the Falcons to add another rookie runner next year, probably of the bruising style- similar to what Cincy did with Gio Bernard last year while following up with Jeremy Hill in this year’s Draft.

Freeman deserves heavy consideration as a Top 5 rookie running back prospect in Dynasty Formats. He’s arguably a Top 3 rookie running back in re-draft leagues. Owners should expect RB 3/4 production out of him this season. We like fantasy runners on prolific offenses, and with the return of Julio Jones the Falcons certainly have a chance to be high-powered. Freeman stands to benefit.