Devonta Freeman is getting a little love of late this offseason. When a ho-hum vet like Steven Jackson is likely to be cut, there is a ‘look around for the next man up’ mentality of where to assign added dynasty value. Especially after a prospect’s rookie season, I like to check back in with the projection model to either hit the gas pedal or brake on the consensus view. Want some podcast love on the subject? Check out the 11February edition of Under the Helmet with Matt Williamson hitting the Falcons backfield.
Devonta Freeman: Metric Standout…Not the Good Kind
Freeman was a fourth round pick in 2014 and the No.8 running back off the board. In terms of overall projection score, Freeman has the lowest mark of any of the top-13 backs (all the way through Lorenzo Taliaferro) in the class. Here are a few contributing factors:
On the Light Side of the Weight Curve
While 206 pounds is not alarmingly small for an NFL running back, it is far from ideal. While thick enough for his frame, Freeman’s weight score is below-average and does not project with many lead backs historically.
