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Atlanta Falcons: Get to know rookie running back Brian Hill

By Randy Gurzi

Nov 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) rushes for a touchdown during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV won the game in the third overtime period 69-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) rushes for a touchdown during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV won the game in the third overtime period 69-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /
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With a lot of the attention in the 2017 NFL Draft being given to the top picks, we take a closer look at some of the others like RB Brian Hill from Wyoming

A lot has been said about first round pick Takkarist McKinley who the Atlanta Falcons traded up to the 26th spot to grab out of UCLA. The defensive end made an immediate impression when he gave a passionate speech which included dropping some profanity on live television. While McKinley deserves all the attention he gets, let’s not forget about some of the other guys Atlanta brought in like Wyoming running back Brian Hill.

Vitals

Height: 6-foot-1
Weight: 219
40-Yard Dash: 4.54
Career Rush Yards: 4,287
Career Rush TD: 35

The Falcons know a running back doesn’t have to be a first round selection to be a stud. Their current starter is Devonta Freeman — who they selected in round four of the 2014 NFL Draft. Behind him is third-round pick Tevin Coleman out of Indiana. The two work great together and form one of the best running back committees in the league today. That doesn’t bode well for Hill’s chances at making an impact as a rookie, but he could be a valuable piece down the road.

With the success both Freeman and Coleman have had, they will both demand some serious compensation once their rookie deals are up. With Freeman already trying to get his squared away in his final season of his deal, Coleman could be the odd man out when he comes up for renewal the following year. Having a young guy like Hill in town for a year lets Atlanta know if they will be set at the position before ever negotiating with Coleman.

Interesting Fact:  According to Lance Zeirlein’s NFL.com Draft profile, Hill’s mother had an interesting way to motivate the young man to succeed at the game of football.

"“Growing up in a St. Louis suburb, Hill was pushed into football by his mother, who wanted him to have an after-school activity to stay out of trouble. She paid him five dollars for every touchdown or sack to keep him motivated.” — Zeirlein"

During his three-year career at Wyoming Hill racked up a ton of yards including 1,631 as a sophomore and 1,860 in his final season as a junior. Of his 35 career touchdowns, Hill recorded 22 in 2016. He’s a downhill runner, who offers little in the way of route running, but has no problem fighting for the tough yards.

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Hill also was a solid pass protector for the Cowboys, and has the makeup to be a starter one day in the NFL. It will be interesting to see how he’s able to assert himself in this crowded Falcons backfield.