Freeman's early departure from Monday's practice was apparently the result of the heat, Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com reports. Freeman will undergo further evaluation to determine the extent of any potential ailment, but after he was seen walking around OK following drills, the absence may not have been as serious as initially suspected. Coach Mike Smith is expected to clarify the situation at some point Tuesday.

Freeman gained 50 yards on 10 carries and 57 yards on one reception in Friday's preseason opener against the Dolphins. With Steven Jackson (hamstring) sidelined, Freeman worked as the No. 3 running back behind starter Jacquizz Rodgers and Antone Smith. Freeman made up for the disappointing usage with a strong performance, and he likely has his eyes on Rodgers' role as the third-down and change-of-pace back complementing Jackson. At the very least, Freeman should be able to jump ahead of Smith, a 28-year-old with just six career carries.

Falcons RBs coach Gerald Brown said Devonta Freeman is "going to be a really good receiver for us." Freeman has reportedly shown "flashes" of every-down ability so far in camp, something we're watching very closely. Steven Jackson, already over the hill and a poor candidate to make it through the season, is currently sidelined by a multi-week hamstring pull. Note that Rotoworld's NFL prospect guru Josh Norris was especially high on Andre Ellington and Zac Stacy last year. This year, his No. 1 running back in the draft was Freeman.

Coach Mike Smith said fourth-round RB Devonta Freeman needs to work on his pass protection. "He's got great vision, he's got great stop-and-start ability," Smith said. "The big thing that he needs to work on is the ability to work in pass protection because we ask our backs to do a lot." Freeman showed well in pass protection at Florida State, but this is the NFL. Once he gets it down, Freeman should start eating into Steven Jackson's workload on passing downs and could potentially take over lead-back duties in 2015. He's drawn some Shane Vereen comps.

Falcons signed fourth-round RB Devonta Freeman to a four-year contract. Freeman is already turning heads in Atlanta, reportedly showing off soft hands and playmaking ability during the Falcons' rookie minicamp. Those skills along with his blocking ability should allow Freeman to contribute early as the pass-catching back in OC Dirk Koetter's pass-heavy scheme. A change of pace back is not all Freeman will be limited to, though. Despite his smallish size, Freeman possesses lead-back upside and could unseat the quickly diminishing Steven Jackson as early as this season. He is an excellent value pick in both re-draft and Dynasty formats.

After watching the Falcons' three-day rookie minicamp, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution calls RB Devonta Freeman "a keeper." Freeman reportedly "caught the ball with his hands and showed a great burst of speed." The Florida State product is off to a fine start as he battles for reps behind a rapidly declining Steven Jackson, who will turn 31 in July. Freeman, who projects to get another boost once he gets to show off his pass-protection chops with the pads on, will be a value pick in both re-draft and Dynasty formats.

Falcons fourth-round pick Devonta Freeman is Rotoworld's No. 4-ranked Dynasty rookie running back. Rotoworld's Evan Silva has Freeman behind only Bishop Sankey (Titans), Carlos Hyde (49ers), and Terrance West (Browns). Deeming him a "Shane Vereen-type talent," Silva believes Freeman is a perfect fit for Falcons OC Dirk Koetter's offense, as a pro-ready pass blocker and smooth receiver. GM Thomas Dimitroff recently suggested Atlanta sees Freeman as a future "lead back." Silva's full Dynasty Rookie Rankings are accessible at the link below.

Falcons coach Mike Smith and GM Thomas Dimitroff confirmed that they see feature back potential in Devonta Freeman. "I think if you look at his size, the first thing that comes to your mind is he may be a change-of-pace back. That is not the case," Smith said. Freeman, 5'8/206, brings excellent pass protection chops and an underrated inside running resume to Atlanta. He's going to get reps directly behind Steven Jackson this year and has an excellent chance to be a No. 1 runner by 2015. "He has the ability to tote the rock as a lead back," Dimitroff said.