Upon being selected in the third round by the Atlanta Falcons, former Indiana star Tevin Coleman immediately predicted that he would win the starting running back job.
Coach Dan Quinn confirmed that Coleman will have that opportunity.
Citing Coleman's explosiveness and ability to cut decisively in Kyle Shanahan's "wide zone" offense, Quinn recently told SiriusXM NFL Radio that the rookie and second-year back Devonta Freeman are "absolutely battling" for the top spot on the depth chart.
Whereas Freeman's smallish frame raises questions about his ability to handle a heavy workload and consistently move the chains, Quinn noted that Coleman is "even a little bigger than I thought."
An underappreciated offensive guru, Shanahan has demonstrated a golden touch with rookie running backs in three different cities. Steve Slaton (Texans, 2008), Alfred Morris (Redskins, 2012) and the duo of Isaiah Crowell and Terrance West (Browns, 2014) have all enjoyed immediate NFL success under Shanahan.
If Coleman beats out Freeman by the end of August, he's going to emerge as a trendy pick for Offensive Rookie of the Year.
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