Fantasy Football: Tevin Coleman could be fantasy sleeper

There is plenty of excitement about the 2015 NFL season, which kicks off in under three months on September 10. Alongside the real games being played, fantasy football plays a big role in many fans’ weekly experience.

We have already looked at whether you should draft receivers Roddy White or Justin Hardy, but we now turn our attention to another Atlanta Falcons’ offensive piece — Tevin Coleman.

Coleman was drafted in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft and will compete for a starting job with second-year pro Devonta Freeman. Right now there is no clear favorite, although my expectation is to see Coleman leading the way at some point this season.

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This will be the battle to watch out for before picking either Falcons back. On one hand, Freeman has a year of experience in the NFL and plenty of upside.

On the other, Coleman has the potential to explode onto the scene in his first year due to his violent, powerful style.

Dave Richard of CBSSports.com weighed in on Coleman’s fantasy outlook.

"“Coleman is the better back of the two. I’d go so far as to say he’s in the mix as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy running back in his spot with the Falcons. I wouldn’t rule out 250 carries for him, and I wouldn’t wait longer than Round 5 or 6 to take a chance on him. Freeman slides from similar territory to a No. 3 Fantasy running back who will go closer to Round 10 than Round 8.If we’re talking long-term formats, Coleman is worth a pick in the same neighborhood as above. He’s also worth a first-round pick in dynasty/keeper leagues. Coleman is the better back of the two. I’d go so far as to say he’s in the mix as a low-end No. 2 Fantasy running back in his spot with the Falcons. I wouldn’t rule out 250 carries for him, and I wouldn’t wait longer than Round 5 or 6 to take a chance on him.”"

I tend to agree with Richard’s analysis. Coleman has the potential to be a better back in the NFL, and could therefore see more of the football.

May 26, 2015; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Tevin Coleman (26) on the field during OTA at Falcons Training Facility. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Due to Coleman’s powerful style, he could be used in goal-line situations which could bolster his touchdown tally. He is also a home run hitting runner, so we can expect a few huge touchdowns this season from him.

Matthew Berry of ESPN placed Coleman 19th on his recent running back rankings, which made him the second-highest rookie back behind just Melvin Gordon (16th). For comparison, Todd Gurley ranked 25th, T.J. Yeldon 26th and Ameer Abdullah 31st.

A possible concern with selecting him is the offensive line in front of him, and this goes for any Falcons back. Coleman certainly has the talent, but will the line struggle to create openings in front of him? It’s a possibility, but I have enough confidence in Coleman to find ways of scoring, even if it means running over every defender in front of him.

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So where does Coleman fit on your roster?

If all goes to plan, Coleman could be a decent RB2, but he would be a perfect RB3.

Rookie backs are often taken with caution, but this can be a major benefit for fantasy owner’s who take top rookies late in the draft. Eddie Lacy fell late in many fantasy drafts two years ago but performed like a top-10 runner.

As long as Coleman goes on to start at running back for the Atlanta Falcons, he could prove to be one of fantasy football’s 2015 steals. Keep an eye on the star out of Indiana.

Next: NFC playoff seeds predictions: Will Falcons make it?

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