Geneaut Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/31/falcons-1-running-back-prospect-each-round-2019-nfl-draft/ With Tevin Coleman likely moving on in free agency, the Falcons could use a third running back on the roster to complement Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith in 2019. They don’t need a specific type of running back, either. As long as he has good vision and can catch out of the backfield, they will fit. Currently, Atlanta has Freeman, Smith, Brian Hill and Jeremy Langford under contract at tailback with Ricky Ortiz under contract at fullback. Adding a big-play threat third option or a new fullback is what should happen in the draft. Here’s one prospect who could fill that need for the Falcons in each round of the upcoming 2019 NFL draft. Round 1: RB Damien Harris, Alabama (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) A first-round pick at running back would be completely unexpected. However, for this exercise, the Falcons picking Damien Harris in the first round makes sense. Alabama runs a mix of inside zone, outside zone and gap principles. Harris can do them all and was far and away Alabama’s best running back the last three seasons. Not only was he the workhorse of the best offense in college football, he always made the most of limited opportunities in a shared backfield. Adding Harris would give the Falcons a genuine three-headed monster at the running back position for a long time. Round 2: RB Mike Weber, Ohio State Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State runs a lot of zone running plays and Mike Weber benefited greatly from it. He’s exceptional zone runner and Atlanta’s blocking scheme just fit his talents to a tee. Adding him to the mix with Smith and Freeman would give the Falcons another workhorse-type back. The questions with Weber come from his receiving abilities. His routes are a bit questionable outside of his screens. Also, while he’s a solid pass protector, the Falcons could do better long-term with a different option later in the draft. The value and pick don’t really align for the team here. Round 3: RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports If the Falcons are going to replace Coleman, why not bring in the running back who’s closest to what Coleman was coming out of college? Hill played at Oklahoma State and was unable to show much in the passing game. However, he also proved that he’s an absolutely dangerous player in the open field. Hill has an amazing top speed similar to Coleman and could showcase some of his pass-catching potential with the right work in the offseason. The questions surrounding his vision, hands and patience shouldn’t be ignored, though. Still, for all the raw potential that he has, he’d be a solid pick in the third round. Round 4: RB Dexter Williams, Notre Dame John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports When looking for a running back for a scheme that will feature inside zone, outside zone and gap principles, taking an underrated athlete who has vision and balance should be a priority. Dexter Williams out of Notre Dame has both and he’d be a value for a fourth-round pick. Williams is very similar to Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith in his running style, including exceptional feel for the holes opening in front of him. More than that, he runs angry and finishes strong. There are real questions about his usage in the passing game, though. Round 5: RB Elijah Holyfield, Georgia Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Despite going to Georgia and being part of their great line of running backs, Elijah Holyfield never got the accolades that his predecessors did. Part of that had to do with the fact that he never was more than a No. 2 running back in the rotation. Early in his career, he was overshadowed by Nick Chubb and during the 2018 season, he was overshadowed by D’Andre Swift. While those two will be NFL starters for a long time, Holyfield may not ever start for a pro team. And that’s okay. When looking for a reserve running back, the goal is to find someone who is willing to help the team in whatever way he can. Holyfield is still supremely talented, though. He just needs the right opportunity to shine. Round 6: RB/FB Quadree Ollison, Pittsburgh Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Pittsburgh running backs seem to be very productive once they get into the NFL regardless of where they are drafted. Quadree Ollison has the same kind of vision and balance one would expect from past Pittsburgh running backs like James Connor, LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis. However, he doesn’t have the same kind of speed as any of them. He’s a 6-foot-2, 230 pound back who runs as big as he is. The Falcons could look at him as a fullback. The punishment he deals through the hole would make him a scary complement for Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith and his value as both a third running back and a potential fullback could make him worth more than the sixth-round pick right away. Round 7: RB/FB Jacques Patrick, Florida State Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports When looking into Atlanta’s offensive failures in 2018, fullback play was one of the biggest issues. Jacques Patrick was a mediocre running back but is a big dude at 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds. He could potentially be a great fit as a fullback with his vision and ability to find holes. He also could be that short-yardage power running back that the Falcons haven’t had since Michael Turner. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Falcanuck Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 What about Darrell Henderson -- the best possible Tevin replacement. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vel Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 9 minutes ago, Falcanuck said: What about Darrell Henderson -- the best possible Tevin replacement. He is my favorite RB in this draft. I doubt he's around when we should be looking at RBs, but if he's there in the 3rd/4th rounds, I'd be ALL for them pulling that trigger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gold4425 Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 I like Holyfield. runs tough, packs a wallop, a workout warrior, great gene's. But he will go higher than the 5th especially with the success of UGA Running Backs and TD has dodged around drafting Bulldogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sidecar Falcon Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 Where’s LJ Scott? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Smiler11 Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 I think those round projections are way off. Funnily enough I posted just last week that Dexter Williams, Mike Weber and Elijah Holyfield are the three guys that caught my attention. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
quotemokc Posted January 31, 2019 Share Posted January 31, 2019 Don't want to draft yet another RB this year, would rather draft ANY OL at a later pick and hope for the best. Free and Ito can handle the load and there are plenty of competent FA backs out there. If Freeman is injured for another then yeah go ahead and draft a semi high replacement that will have an OL to run behind in 2020. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jesus Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 This team can draft a running back mid rounds and still fill the need at OL/DL early and in FA. They probably won't and will keep Brian Hill around for another year. I hope Free comes back better than ever. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FalconFanSince1970 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 My favorite on that list is Justice Hill. Shifty and fast. Just way too small. Also I'd put the other Bama backer ahead of Harris in round one. Here's some Justice Hill tape. What yall think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 I like Myers for the pick ,, in the 5th or 6th rounds that you suggest ,, which ever round we would have to take him..But personally I think we might would have to take him in the 4th round to get him ... To get him where you have him going would be the best pick in the Draft.. But I don't see him lasting that long at all. I'd say he goes 4th or 5th round. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Draftnut57 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 4 hours ago, Geneaut said: https://thefalconswire.usatoday.com/2019/01/31/falcons-1-running-back-prospect-each-round-2019-nfl-draft/ With Tevin Coleman likely moving on in free agency, the Falcons could use a third running back on the roster to complement Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith in 2019. They don’t need a specific type of running back, either. As long as he has good vision and can catch out of the backfield, they will fit. Currently, Atlanta has Freeman, Smith, Brian Hill and Jeremy Langford under contract at tailback with Ricky Ortiz under contract at fullback. Adding a big-play threat third option or a new fullback is what should happen in the draft. Here’s one prospect who could fill that need for the Falcons in each round of the upcoming 2019 NFL draft. Round 1: RB Damien Harris, Alabama (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) A first-round pick at running back would be completely unexpected. However, for this exercise, the Falcons picking Damien Harris in the first round makes sense. Alabama runs a mix of inside zone, outside zone and gap principles. Harris can do them all and was far and away Alabama’s best running back the last three seasons. Not only was he the workhorse of the best offense in college football, he always made the most of limited opportunities in a shared backfield. Adding Harris would give the Falcons a genuine three-headed monster at the running back position for a long time. Round 2: RB Mike Weber, Ohio State Thomas J. Russo-USA TODAY Sports Ohio State runs a lot of zone running plays and Mike Weber benefited greatly from it. He’s exceptional zone runner and Atlanta’s blocking scheme just fit his talents to a tee. Adding him to the mix with Smith and Freeman would give the Falcons another workhorse-type back. The questions with Weber come from his receiving abilities. His routes are a bit questionable outside of his screens. Also, while he’s a solid pass protector, the Falcons could do better long-term with a different option later in the draft. The value and pick don’t really align for the team here. Round 3: RB Justice Hill, Oklahoma State Rob Ferguson-USA TODAY Sports If the Falcons are going to replace Coleman, why not bring in the running back who’s closest to what Coleman was coming out of college? Hill played at Oklahoma State and was unable to show much in the passing game. However, he also proved that he’s an absolutely dangerous player in the open field. Hill has an amazing top speed similar to Coleman and could showcase some of his pass-catching potential with the right work in the offseason. The questions surrounding his vision, hands and patience shouldn’t be ignored, though. Still, for all the raw potential that he has, he’d be a solid pick in the third round. Round 4: RB Dexter Williams, Notre Dame John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports When looking for a running back for a scheme that will feature inside zone, outside zone and gap principles, taking an underrated athlete who has vision and balance should be a priority. Dexter Williams out of Notre Dame has both and he’d be a value for a fourth-round pick. Williams is very similar to Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith in his running style, including exceptional feel for the holes opening in front of him. More than that, he runs angry and finishes strong. There are real questions about his usage in the passing game, though. Round 5: RB Elijah Holyfield, Georgia Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports Despite going to Georgia and being part of their great line of running backs, Elijah Holyfield never got the accolades that his predecessors did. Part of that had to do with the fact that he never was more than a No. 2 running back in the rotation. Early in his career, he was overshadowed by Nick Chubb and during the 2018 season, he was overshadowed by D’Andre Swift. While those two will be NFL starters for a long time, Holyfield may not ever start for a pro team. And that’s okay. When looking for a reserve running back, the goal is to find someone who is willing to help the team in whatever way he can. Holyfield is still supremely talented, though. He just needs the right opportunity to shine. Round 6: RB/FB Quadree Ollison, Pittsburgh Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Pittsburgh running backs seem to be very productive once they get into the NFL regardless of where they are drafted. Quadree Ollison has the same kind of vision and balance one would expect from past Pittsburgh running backs like James Connor, LeSean McCoy and Dion Lewis. However, he doesn’t have the same kind of speed as any of them. He’s a 6-foot-2, 230 pound back who runs as big as he is. The Falcons could look at him as a fullback. The punishment he deals through the hole would make him a scary complement for Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith and his value as both a third running back and a potential fullback could make him worth more than the sixth-round pick right away. Round 7: RB/FB Jacques Patrick, Florida State Melina Myers-USA TODAY Sports When looking into Atlanta’s offensive failures in 2018, fullback play was one of the biggest issues. Jacques Patrick was a mediocre running back but is a big dude at 6-foot-3 and 234 pounds. He could potentially be a great fit as a fullback with his vision and ability to find holes. He also could be that short-yardage power running back that the Falcons haven’t had since Michael Turner. Is Justin Hill Brian Hill's brother ?? If so,, I would love to have Him.... !!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Osiruz Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 If we are moving on from TC we better get Bennie Snell Jr or Bryce Love. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
putnam6 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 As much as I want to believe in Free they need another RB in case Devonta just isnt there 100%, good news they got plenty of picks to find the right one. Snell,Love Holyfield,Henderson you got rounds 4-7 to find one. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geneaut Posted February 1, 2019 Author Share Posted February 1, 2019 I really like the guy from Pitt. Big. His FB is a hoss also. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boise Falcon Fan Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 I believe we do need a back in case Freeman is unable to carry the load. His health worries me. I would love to get Holyfield in the 4th. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OilFuturesTrader19 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 I like Jacques Patrick. I think he will be a super sleeper. Has all the tools and was kinda stuck on a crappy team. I think he'll be a better pro than college player. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Geneaut Posted February 1, 2019 Author Share Posted February 1, 2019 43 minutes ago, OilFuturesTrader19 said: I like Jacques Patrick. I think he will be a super sleeper. Has all the tools and was kinda stuck on a crappy team. I think he'll be a better pro than college player. Plus he has nice size. I've missed having a bigger back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
vafalconfan Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 Benny Snell. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OilFuturesTrader19 Posted February 1, 2019 Share Posted February 1, 2019 2 hours ago, Geneaut said: Plus he has nice size. I've missed having a bigger back. I agree. He reminds me of BrandonJacobs. Would be a nice goal line back. He has power and can catch out of the backfield. Especially with DB heavy defenses around the league because of all the passing, this guy would be hard to tackle. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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