Atlanta Falcons 2017 Positional Breakdown Series: Running Backs

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Dec 3, 2016; Laramie, WY, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) runs against San Diego State Aztecs cornerback Damontae Kazee (23) during the fourth quarter at the Mountain West Championship college football game at War Memorial Stadium. The Aztecs beat the Cowboys 27-24. Mandatory Credit: Troy Babbitt-USA TODAY Sports /

The Unknown Beast

3rd String/Backup: Brain Hill. Age 21

The Falcons added a potential beast to their backfield in Wyoming’s Brian Hill. But just how good is he? According to the 219-pound running back, they acquired the best available at his position in the 2017 NFL Draft.

"“This is a dream come true,” an excited Hill said after being drafted via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitutional. “I didn’t expect the Falcons. No one in the house was expecting the Falcons, but a lot of teams passed on me in this draft. The Falcons just got the best running back in this draft in the fifth round.”"

It’s easy to see why Hill is so confident. All he did for Wyoming was rack up chunks of yardage. In three seasons he had 4,287 yards and 35 touchdowns. Hill amassed 1,860 of those yards during his junior season while scoring 22 of his career touchdowns that year as well.

Coming to Atlanta he most likely won’t be heavily utilized as a rookie, but he has the ability to fill in if necessary. His biggest asset to the team could be as a potential replacement to Coleman if they’re unable to extend him after giving Freeman a lucrative extension — as expected.

Hill wasn’t utilized a lot in the passing game at Wyoming — which is Coleman’s calling card — and finished with just 41 career catches. In 2016 he had just eight, but proved he could be capable of a bigger role in that regard the year before with 20 receptions.

2017 Stats Prediction:

29 rushes 110 yards (3.8 yard) 1 touchdown

5 receptions 25 yards (5.0 average)