The Facts: With Steven Jackson's Atlanta future in doubt, the Falcons continue to suggest that Freeman is poised for a major role in 2015. Speaking at the NFL Scouting Combine on Thursday, HC Dan Quinn said he has "high hopes" for Freeman, last year's fourth-round draft pick. "My first impression: I can feel the quickness," Quinn said of Freeman. "In our outside zone scheme I thought this is tailor-made for a guy who can really explode off the edge. I love this guy's competitive spirit."
Diehards Line:
Quinn's high praise came just minutes after general manager Thomas Dimitroff expressed confidence that the smallish Freeman can handle the featured back role in Kyle Shanahan's offense. A week ago, Shanahan revealed that he "loved" Freeman coming out of Florida State last year. Freeman finished his rookie season tops among all Falcons running backs with 30 receptions for 225 yards while adding 65 rushes for 248 yards. Jackson is expected to be a salary-cap casualty. Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith are impending free agents. That leaves Freeman as the favorite to open 2015 as the starter even if Dimitroff adds a between-the-tackles complement in free agency or the draft.