Eddie Freeman
DE, Ala-Birmingham · 2002 NFL Draft, Round 2, pick #43 (KAN)
Why he went too high Patterns
Signals in our data that pointed to him being overvalued: age. Details below.
- Age
24 years old at the draft (nflverse).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 44.9% of the time (548 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Pre-draft rankings
No ESPN pre-draft ranking on file for him.
- School
Ala-Birmingham: not a Power-conference school (our conference list).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (1,426 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Athletic testing
Ran a 4.91 40-yard dash at 310 lbs: faster than 49% of DLs timed at the Combine since 2000.
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 50.5% of the time (2,288 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Position
DE (DL group).
Since 2000, picks in this group beat their draft slot 53% of the time (966 players, 2000–2021 classes) vs. 50% for a typical pick.
- Availability
Played 20 of ~32 possible regular-season games from 2002 through 2003 (~63%). Last NFL season: 2003.
Every line comes from data: nflverse draft, combine and career data; ESPN's pre-draft ranks. No scouting reports or quotes. Green = pointed toward a bust for him.
Career numbers
| Games | 20 |
| Seasons as primary starter | 0 |
| Pro Bowls | 0 |
| First-team All-Pro | 0 |
| Career wAV (Pro Football Reference) | 1 |
| Defense | 15 tackles, 4 sacks, 0 INT |
| Last NFL season | 2003 |
The 2002 class: draft pick vs. redraft rank Full redraft
Each dot is a 2002 pick. Dashed line = typical redraft rank for each slot (2000–2021 classes). Above the line = beat his slot.
How players like him did
| Age 24 or older | 44.9% n=548 | |
| School Non-Power school (Group of 5 / FCS / smaller) | 50.5% n=1,426 | |
| Athletic testing Middle 50% | 50.5% n=2,288 | |
| Position DL | 53.0% n=966 |
Share of 2000–2021 picks with the same trait who beat their draft slot. Line = 50%.
Measurables & pre-draft
| Height / weight | 6' 5", 310 lbs |
| 40-yard dash | 4.91 s |
| Bench press | 32 reps |
| Vertical | 34.5" |
| Broad jump | 111" |
| 3-cone | 7.85 s |
| Shuttle | 4.81 s |
| Age at draft | 24 |
Picked around him 2002 redraft
| 40 | Mike Pearson | redraft #93 |
| 41 | Lamont Thompson | redraft #95 |
| 42 | Larry Tripplett | redraft #68 |
| 44 | LeCharles Bentley | redraft #64 |
| 45 | Tank Williams | redraft #83 |
| 46 | Tim Carter | redraft #115 |
How verdicts and reasons are computed: methodology. Steal / bust = 32+ spots better / worse than the typical redraft rank for the slot.