Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon: 2017 NFL Draft Scouting Report

The 2017 NFL Draft may be an historic axis. Many have truly dismissed the running back position. Yet, I am a believer in the position and it will gradually make it’s climb where it rightfully belongs. That climb will be heavily aided by the 2017 Draft where names such as Florida State’s Dalvin Cook, LSU’s Leonard Fournette, Stanford’s Christian McCaffrey, and Oklahoma’s Samaje Perine are just a few of the extensive list of top-notch running backs.

On that list is also Oregon running back Royce Freeman. The productive back does not get as much of the shine that Fournette, Perine, or Georgia’s Nick Chubb receives, but he has the talent to be an effective back at the next level. Let’s analyze the strengths and the weaknesses of Freeman.

Measurables

Height: 5’11

Weight: 230 pounds

Strengths:

Only two seasons as an Oregon Duck but has accumulated 535 carries, 3,203 yards, 35 rushing TDs…..Very good vision, reads holes & creases before heading upfield…..Strong runner, difficult to bring down by single defenders……Able to lower the shoulder and barrel opponents…..100+ rushing yards in 11 of 13 games played in 2015, including nine straight…..Five games in 2015 of three rushing touchdowns….Effective in the passing game, 42 career receptions with three touchdowns…..Able to line out wide and in the slot as a receiver…..Provides useful ability in pass protection…..Has shown to break tackles with ease….According to Pro Football Focus, Freeman has forced 80 missed tackles while rushing, forced nine missed tackles as a receiver.

Rugged, downhill running will be Royce Freeman's calling card. https://t.co/N20sdPUMk5
— Eric Robinson (@_Eric_Robinson) July 11, 2016

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Weaknesses: Resorts to an elusive style at times, which is not his true ability…..”Ok” but not great speed, won’t win many long foot races…..Not great at reaching the edge due to lack of great speed…..Standout vision but not a true candidate for a zone-running scheme….No experience in a pro-style setting, which will be his best option as a professional.

Bottom line: Royce Freeman has been reliable for Oregon in his two seasons at the collegiate level and is a true definition of a workhorse running back. He’s not fastest, the most elusive, nor the most powerful, but his production and versatility will definitely earn him a role at the next level. Freeman was installed into Oregon’s zone read scheme and churned out numbers within the offense but Freeman may be more of a fit in a pro-style, power running game where his best attributes (strength, vision) are able to still be on display. Those that rely on comparisons can visualize Freeman in a Matt Forte-type mold. Freeman does not have the publicity of Cook or Fournette but if Freeman can have another solid season in 2016, expected the Oregon Duck to be a 2nd or 3rd round selection in the 2017 NFL Draft.

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