The theme is that this year\u2019s running back class for the 2019 NFL Draft isn\u2019t good right? Well, I am here to break that myth. While the class may not be as top-heavy as last years or the years past it has plenty of talent in the later rounds of the draft. The hard part is properly identifying the correct back for your system.<\/p>\n
The Atlanta Falcons<\/a> were left with a huge void in the form of a running back after Tevin Coleman<\/a><\/strong> walked in free agency.\u00a0The task this off-season should be filling that void.<\/p>\n As it currently stands, the Falcons running back room is made up of some interesting faces. Leading the group is Devonta Freeman<\/a><\/strong> who is good when healthy. The problem is over the last two seasons he has missed 16 games. Now being two years removed from his last 1,000-yard season and not having Coleman to help carry the load there are concerns of how Freeman can handle the workload.<\/p>\n Next in line is Ito Smith<\/a><\/strong>. Smith enjoyed a decent rookie season this past year where he rushed for 315 yards and four touchdowns. While it may not be much, Smith performed surprisingly well in the opportunities he was given. After that, there is just a collection of guys used as depth pieces\u00a0for the team.<\/p>\n Overall, the team doesn\u2019t look to have many long-term options outside of Freeman, who with his injury history could be a question himself. So, what\u2019s the best solution for this problem? Well as stated above this year\u2019s draft is chock-full of running backs in all shapes and sizes. It is now up to the Falcons to choose their poison correctly.<\/p>\n Darwin Thompson<\/a><\/strong>‘s pre-draft process has gone much differently than any other running back in this year\u2019s class. After not receiving much love, he failed to obtain a Combine invite. Being only a one-year starter, he has a lot to prove to NFL teams and will look to do so at his Pro Day. But don\u2019t be fooled. Thompson is a top five back in this year\u2019s class and has some of the most impressive contact balance seen. He also has plenty of speed and foot quickness to his game. In order to see the field consistently as a starter in the NFL, he will need to develop greatly as a blocker and become more defined with his vision and creation ability.<\/p>\n Miles Sanders<\/strong><\/a> had to wait his turn in the Penn State offense. Being the successor to \u201cthe guy\u201d in Saquon Barkley<\/a><\/strong> is always a hard thing to do. Despite that, he put his best foot forward and had a productive season showing off great traits along the way. While he may not be the same caliber of back as Barkley, Sanders can be successful at the next level. his combination of foot quickness, receiving ability, and a great frame have all the markings of a lead back in the NFL. Further development in his blocking and vision\/creation ability is needed but he still should find success early.<\/p>\nHow to Bolster the Atlanta Falcons Run Game Through the NFL Draft<\/strong><\/h1>\n
Current Falcons Running Backs<\/h2>\n
The Drafts Options<\/h2>\n
Options One: Darwin Thompson, Utah State<\/h3>\n
Option Two: Miles Sanders<\/a>, Penn State<\/h3>\n
Option Three: Darrell Henderson<\/a>, Memphis<\/h3>\n