Niner Noise
FanSided

2018 NFL Draft: 5 prospects the 49ers should watch at the Senior Bowl

By Aaron Tan

EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR - SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
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EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
EUGENE, OR – SEPTEMBER 10: Royce Freeman #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the Virginia Cavaliers at Autzen Stadium on September 10, 2016 in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /

No. 3: Running Back Royce Freeman

Ever since the NFL regular season ended, I have been seeing Royce Freeman’s name pop up on various draft sleeper reports, so naturally I had to check out what the hype surrounding him was about.

Immediately after I started watching tape, he reminded me of Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman, whom Kyle Shanahan worked with in 2015 to 2017. They both have similar small frames and have a natural knack for running inside zone.

Royce Freeman displayed great ball-carrier vision and breakaway speed. I would like to see more power from his runs, but he was able to break most first tackle attempts.

The reason the 49ers and us fans alike should watch him closely in the Senior Bowl is that he was greatly assisted by a very solid Oregon offensive line that paved the way for his big games. He will not have that line anymore at the Senior Bowl, and I want to see him prove that he can still be a quality running back without his Ducks blocking for him.

And if he does, I could easily see him taking over for Carlos Hyde as starting running back.