Atlanta Falcons 2017 Positional Breakdown Series: Running Backs

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Dec 18, 2016; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) runs for a touchdown against the San Francisco 49ers during the second half at the Georgia Dome. The Falcons defeated the 49ers 41-13. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /

Mr. Do-It-All

Starter: Devonta Freeman, Age. 25

In today’s NFL, finding a serviceable running back isn’t a hard task especially with some teams leading their rushing attack with a staple of running backs to share the workload. In Atlanta, the talent in the backfield runs deep with looks from Tevin Coleman, rookie Brian Hill, and veteran Terron Ward but none have a better overall package in their skill set than three-year veteran Devonta Freeman.

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Looking back at Freeman’s career at Florida State and his performance at the combine and you could make the case that Freeman may not have made it through the Falcons’ scouting system because of average, or poor, combine performances and the belief he was hidden around other star talent at Florida State. Still even with all of those doubts, Freeman still became one of the NFL’s most dangerous players running backs over the past two seasons by collecting over 3,100 total scrimmage yards and 31 touchdowns.

Falcons’ fans have been led to believe that a contract extension should be on the horizon for the three-year veteran during this year’s training camp and the addition new offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian could give Freeman more chances to gain carries between the tackles and maybe less involved in the passing attack. Either way Atlanta plans on using Freeman on the field, his production shouldn’t decrease despite the Falcons adding rookie Brian Hill to the backfield.

2017 Stats Prediction:

235 Rushing attempts – 1,106 Rushing yards (4.7 average) 10 Rushing touchdowns

47 Receptions – 430 Receiving yards (9.1 average) 3 Receiving touchdowns