This is my sixth underestimated NFL Player Spotlight. For this week, I am focusing on another running back, who happens to be on a team having a poor 2022 season. I believe the running back position is a role that can be overlooked if they are not a top fantasy player. This week’s underestimated NFL player is veteran running back D’Onte Foreman of the Carolina Panthers.
Underestimated NFL Player: College Career
Running back D’Onte Foreman played for the Texas Longhorns from 2014 to 2016. In his three years at the university, his final year playing was by far his best season. This makes sense as to why he moved to the NFL after a strong season. In his three years, Foreman had a total of 2,774 rushing yards and 20 touchdowns from 431 attempts, according to Sports Reference. Foreman can also be a dual threat as a receiver and had a total of 13 receptions for 146 yards. For only three years at the school, these statistics are pretty strong, and makes sense why he was drafted into the NFL,
Foreman’s third year was by far his best year as a Longhorn, and he did not even play in a bowl. Foreman had a total of 323 rushing attempts for 2,028 yards and 15 touchdowns. Foreman also had seven receptions for 75 yards. For only playing for three years, the running bacl played well and it is understandable that he was drafted into the NFL in 2017.
Underestimated NFL Player: NFL Career
In his years in the NFL, Foreman has been with three different teams. The running back was picked in the third round of the 2017 NFL draft by the Houston Texans. He later played for the Tennessee Titans and is currently with the Carolina Panthers.
In his five years, including 2022, Foreman has had a total of 1,437 yards from 342 rushing attempts and nine touchdowns, according to Pro Football Reference. Foreman has also had 22 receptions for 264 yards and two receiving touchdowns. I believe the lack of touchdowns is a big reason why Foreman is an underestimated NFL player. Eleven total touchdowns is not a great statistic, but he does have a total of 78 first downs. Foreman may not be the guy to score, but he will put the team in a position to get points on the board.
Underestimated NFL Player: 2022 Season
This season, Foreman is currently playing for the Carolina Panthers. What has truly helped Foreman progress this season is that the team traded former Panthers starting running back, Christian McCaffrey to the San Francisco 49ers. This has given Forman a chance to get more snaps than he was previously seeing this year.
This season the Panthers have not been a good team and are beginning to rebuild their team, They started the rebuild by firing their head coach and trading away key players. Foreman is a player that has kept this team going despite the difficult moments. According to ESPN, Foreman has had a total of 450 yards from 102 rushing attempts and four touchdowns. The running back has also received just four catches for 25 yards. The Panthers may not be a great team, but Foreman has done a decent job keeping the team somewhat alive.
The Carolina Panthers will face the Denver Broncos this Sunday. Be sure to watch for this week’s Underestimated NFL Player Spotlight, D’Onta Foreman. This is a game where the team can possibly walk out with a win.
For more NFL and NCAA Football content:
Check out my previous Underestimated NFL Player Spotlight here. Also, check out my most recent article on the Rutgers Scarlet Knights quarterback position.