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NFL Draft 2018: Way-too-early ranking of top Pac-12 prospects

By Erich Hilkert

Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks to an ESPN reporter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 2, 2017; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) speaks to an ESPN reporter of the 2017 Rose Bowl game at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2016; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Royce Freeman (21) reacts against the Virginia Cavaliers during the third quarter at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Cole Elsasser-USA TODAY Sports /

The 5-foot-11, 230-pound back returns for his senior season following a challenging 2016 season. Freeman rushed for 945 yards, although that figure was just a little more than half of his 2015 total of 1,836 rushing yards in 2015.

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Freeman’s decline in total rushing yards had more to do with fewer touches than an actual major drop in production. Freeman had 168 carries in 2016 compared with 283 carries during the 2015 campaign.

Oregon spent most of 2016 trying to come back from deficits, leading to a decline in the overall running game. Of course, losing top offensive coordinator Scott Frost didn’t help either. Oregon’s scoring average went from 43 point per game in 2015 down to 35 points per game in 2016.

Improving draft stock

Freeman’s lone weakness is pass protection. If he shows a willingness to block and improves his technique, he should be one of the top running backs in the 2018 class.

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