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Atlanta Falcons: Ranking the top 10 players on the roster

By Colin Hubbard

Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones (11) dives for the pylon to score a touchdown in the third quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons receiver Julio Jones (11) dives for the pylon to score a touchdown in the third quarter against Dallas Cowboys cornerback Tyler Patmon (26) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) breaks a tackle by New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) on a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2015; New Orleans, LA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) breaks a tackle by New Orleans Saints free safety Jairus Byrd (31) on a touchdown run during the fourth quarter of a game at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints defeated the Falcons 31-21. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /

4) Devonta Freeman – RB

Devonta Freeman went from being a player who may not be ranked in the top 20 heading into 2015 to being a bona-fide star overnight. Freeman wasn’t even supposed to be the Falcons’ starting running back last season but after rookie back Tevin Coleman went down with injury in week 2, Freeman took over and never looked back.

Freeman tied Adrian Peterson for the most rushing touchdowns in the NFL with 11 and rushed for 1,061 yards. He also caught 73 receptions for 573 yards, three of which went for touchdowns. His 14 combined touchdowns led the NFL for running backs. He was rewarded with a selection to the 2016 pro bowl and caught a touchdown pass in the game as well.

At 5-foot-8, 206 pounds, Freeman was never supposed to make it in the NFL. He was looked upon as nothing more than a backup and that likely lit a fire in him. He is arguably the hardest working player on the Falcons’ roster and his play in 2015 is a direct result of that.

This 23-year-old is the next big thing and his best years have yet to come. We have only scratched the surface on what could be one of the best running back careers in Falcons’ history. Keep on running, young blood.

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