Tevin Coleman is impressing the Falcons early. What will it mean?

The Atlanta Falcons made Tevin Coleman a third round pick in 2015 not because they're in the habit of burning draft picks--although it may seem like it--but because they truly like the young running back. With Devonta Freeman's 2015 emergence, it was easy to dismiss Coleman's chances at a significant role this year, but it may have been premature.

All we've heard this offseason is that Coleman is doing well, Coleman is getting some first team reps while Devonta Freeman is sidelined, and that Coleman has improved hugely over his first year in the NFL. Then comes this:

My biggest takeaway from this afternoon's media availability: The Falcons are extremely confident in Tevin Coleman

— Andrew Hirsh (@andrewhirsh) June 8, 2016

Confidence in early June only means so much. You know that, I know that, and we have to resist being enticed by story lines that fall by the wayside by August. Even so, I truly believe the Falcons are positioning Coleman for a larger role this year, and perhaps an even larger one in 2017. He's got the speed, talent and coachability that Kyle Shanahan covets, and while Freeman is obviously the more well-rounded back and should continue to hog touches, Coleman may well e the superior runner. I'm encouraged to see that the Falcons see that.

What are your 2016 expectations for Tevin Coleman?