Atlanta Falcons: 2015 Fantasy Football sleepers

Oct 11, 2014; Iowa City, IA, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) runs for a touchdown against the Iowa Hawkeyes at Kinnick Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-USA TODAY Sports

Tevin Coleman, RB

On the opposite end of the spectrum is rookie Tevin Coleman.

Coleman was selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the third round of the 2015 NFL Draft to help enhance a run game that has struggled in the past few years. 

Oct 5, 2013; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) catches a pass against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Memorial Stadium. Indiana won 44-24. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports

Since 2012, the Falcons have ranked 29th, 32nd and 24th in rushing offense respectively. New head coach Dan Quinn knew this to had to improve to get Atlanta back into the postseason, which is why they addressed the running back position so early in the draft.

With that said, Coleman will be given plenty of opportunities to carry the football and make his mark.

He’s an aggressive, violent runner who will fight for every yard. He hits top speed quickly which can force defensive backs into awkward angles and lead to big yardage gains.

The rookie will likely fall low on fantasy draft boards and has slipped under the radar to this point, but he has the potential to make a big impact in his debut campaign.

In Matthew Berry of ESPN’s latest running back rankings, he puts Coleman 25th, notably above Todd Gurley. This is likely due to the fact Gurley is returning from a torn ACL.

Coleman sits above Rashad Jennings and Joique Bell and just behind Andre Ellington and LeGarrette Blount.

Of course, taking a rookie needs to be done with some caution. Late on however, the gamble is worth taking as Coleman’s upside is great and he could be looked back on as a draft steal.

Next: A rookie wide receiver