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2017 Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Intriguing Scenario at the Bye Week

By Scott Carasik

Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson talks with offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson talks with offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) leaps over his own man on the way to the end zone to score as Connecticut Huskies linebacker Matthew Walsh (36) and Connecticut Huskies linebacker Cameron Stapleton (10) during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium USF won 48-27. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; South Florida Bulls running back Marlon Mack (5) leaps over his own man on the way to the end zone to score as Connecticut Huskies linebacker Matthew Walsh (36) and Connecticut Huskies linebacker Cameron Stapleton (10) during the second half of a football game at Raymond James Stadium USF won 48-27. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports /

44. . Running Back. University of South Florida. Marlon Mack. 5. player

2016: 9 games played, 123 carries, 853 yards, 12 touchdowns, 25 catches, 207 yards

2015: 12 games played, 210 carries, 1,381 yards, 8 touchdowns, 16 catches, 111 yards, 1 touchdown

2014: 12 games played, 202 carries, 1,041 yards, 9 touchdowns, 21 catches, 160 yards

After Pro Bowl-caliber starter Devonta Freeman and explosive change-of-pace Tevin Coleman, the Falcons don’t have much depth at the running back spot. Terron Ward and Stevan Ridley are just mediocre options, and the Falcons could use some more depth in their stead. The best possible fit would be someone with good vision, good strength and can power through the line in short-yardage situations that have hurt the Falcons through the season.

Marlon Mack from South Florida fits with the need for the Falcons. He’s got the vision to be a successful running back within the scheme despite playing a pure gap-style scheme in college. Mack also has the power, quickness and size to be successful as the power back in the scheme. The Falcons have needed that since they cut Steven Jackson after the 2014 season. They just don’t have the power back for those short-yardage situations or that extra back for when Coleman goes down.