NFL Noles Alumni Week 6 Recap: Freeman Forever

When a team decides to use a high draft pick to add someone that plays your position, something has to click as a player. While Atlanta's Tevin Coleman looked to be the essential supplement to Matt Ryan and the Falcons high-powered offense, he's started his career looking up on the depth chart.

Devonta Freeman has cemented his status as the starting running back for the Atlanta Falcons and has proven to be one of the top tailbacks in not just the NFC, but in the entire league.

Freeman Showcases Rare Versatility Against Saints in Loss

The second year player was a dual-threat out of the backfield at FS. Finishing tied for second in the ACC with 15 TDs in 2013, there was potential that Freeman's skills could translate at the next level. Few predicted the rapid ascension of his versatility to be on display almost midway through his second professional season.

He's second in the league in receiving yards from a running back trailing only San Diego's Danny Woodhead. Target more than stud wideout Julio Jones Thursday, the offense evidently has faith in Freeman's ability to be pivotal member of their passing attack.

Just like five other teams so far this season, the Saints weren't able to handle the one of NFL's more explosive runners. Tallying exactly 100 yards on just 13 carries, Freeman now sits comfortably in second place in rushing yards totaled on the season. With a score on the ground in the game, he's almost doubling Jeremy Hill, whose five scores have come while splitting time with another talented running back in Giovanni Bernard.

Barring anything drastic, Freeman will be among the top-five in both rushing yards and rushing touchdowns on the season. It's a story worth looking into for not just Seminoles fans, but viewers around the league looking for the next star tailback.

Boldin's Still Got It

San Francisco might be in a rebuilding period at the moment, but Anquan Boldin's doing his best to notch wins and create a jolt in the daunting NFC West. In his last two games, Boldin has a combined 209 receiving yards on 13 catches and has given the mobile Colin Kaepernick a reliable presence from the outside.

In his thirteenth year in the league, Boldin has eclipsed the 800 yard receiving mark every year since 2005 and is regarded as one of the most seasoned wideouts in the league and a viable trade target candidate for a contending team.

Whether it be on the 49ers or another team in the league, Anquan Boldin is effectively utilizing a 6-1, 220-pound frame that's tough to match up with.

Young and Hungry Bears Duo

Christian Jones was a touted linebacker during his time at Florida State. After going undrafted in 2014, he landed in the NFL's sanctuary of linebackers in Chicago and put up a monster game Sunday against the Lions totaling nine tackles and a pass deflection against a loaded Lions attack.

Joining on the defensive end this season, Eddie Goldman, a second-round pick who was an essential cog in the Noles defense in his last two seasons, also had a season-high tackling total against the Lions with five total tackles and half a sack against Matthew Stafford.

Chicago is struggling substantially against the run this season, but with a young group in a rebuilding season, the pressure isn't as immense which is fortuitous for the former Noles.