Atlanta Falcons: 5 Players Primed For A Breakout in 2015
By John Buhler
44. . RB. Florida State. Devonta Freeman. 24. player
It seems like just about every day I write an article featuring second-year RB Devonta Freeman. His role in the Atlanta Falcons’ offense is expanding as he is likely the primary ball handler in Kyle Shanahan’s running back group. Though a hamstring injury suffered in yesterday’s practice might sideline Devonta for a few weeks, expect Freeman to continue to carry the weight of the world on his shoulders when he is medically cleared to take part in practice.
-= Falcons All-Time Lists: Top 5 RBs =-
The guy doesn’t ever want to come off the field in the Atlanta Falcons’ offensive scheme. Whether its running the football, catching screen passes, blocking outside linebackers on the pass rush, even contributing on special teams, Devonta Freeman said he will do whatever it takes for the Atlanta Falcons to win.
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I see Freeman as a rising leader in the Atlanta locker room. He came from a strong offensive system in college at Florida State, chock full of NFL talent and dynamic leaders like Jameis Winston and Kelvin Benjamin. Now that Devonta is no longer a rookie, expect him to command the RB corps in their meetings this season.
1,250 all-purpose yards and 7 scores seems like a realistic season for the young Atlanta running back. Should the zone blocking scheme of Kyle Shanahan work wonders with the rebuilding offensive line, Freeman could rush for over 1,000 yards in Year Two of his NFL service. On the offensive side of the ball, I believe that Devonta Freeman’s play as the featured back could either aid or hinder the offensive attack for the Dirty Birds this fall. I so hope it’s the former. Bearing four straight down years at RB could prove impossible to stomach for Rise Up Nation.
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