Atlanta Falcons: Sophomore Breakout Candidates
By Sunny Minhas
Dec 28, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) prepares for a game against the Carolina Panthers in the first quarter at the Georgia Dome. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
Devonta Freeman will go into training camp atop the RB depth chart but will have to hold off 3rd round rookie Tevin Coleman. Freeman has particularly impressed the coaches with his pass catching ability and if he can improve on his pass blocking, he will have a sizeable role. The Falcons lost a very good passing down RB in Jacquizz Rodgers so the hope here is that Freeman can be just as dependable while offering more juice as a runner.
I believe Freeman most favourably compares to Ahmad Bradshaw. Neither men are the most athletically gifted but Bradshaw has managed to squeeze out as much as he can from his talent. I see Freeman in the same mold. He might not ever wow you with broken tackles but he will be consistent and slither his way through for every yard available.
READ MORE ON SPIN ZONE: Atlanta Falcons: Tevin Coleman is the guy
Coleman has superior natural talent. His speed and burst is excellent and allows him to be a homerun threat on every play. But, if Freeman can continue to improve as a pass blocker and make plays in the passing game, he will see his quality share of snaps.
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