Atlanta Falcons need to target a running back in the draft

The Atlanta Falcons decided to gamble a few times this offseason.

When the Atlanta Falcons signed Todd Gurley to a one-year contract, it was with the hope that he could bring some type of production to the Falcons running game, which hasn’t been good in recent years.

The Atlanta Falcons used Gurley as much as possible. Even behind a hot and cold offensive line, Gurley was somewhat productive early in the season. As the season went on, Gurley’s production dropped.

It’s safe to say that the Gurley signing might not have been the best option. It’s also safe to say that Gurley will not be back next year.

It’s not like the Atlanta Falcons have the worst stable of running backs in the NFL.

When used properly Falcons could have one of the better groups of backs in this league. Brian Hill is a physical runner who enjoys contact. Ito Smith is a great pass catcher, great blocker, and tough to bring down once in the open field. Smith and Hill could be quite the duo.

Atlanta, however, decided not to go that route and took a chance on a former All-Pro. It’s easy to see that the Falcons want a big name in the backfield, they could go back into free agency or take the best route and go to the draft.

Running back not quarterback should be the Atlanta Falcons target.

The fans want the Falcons to go the quarterback route in the 2021 NFL draft but hold ya’ horses. It’s not like Ryan is playing like the worst starter in the NFL. When used properly and having the support of the run game, Ryan can still lead this team to the promised land. Bringing in a rookie and not taking care of the other problems will spell disaster.

If you want to wait until after the draft or wait till next season then sure, go get your quarterback.

There is no reason why the Atlanta Falcons should spend a pick on a quarterback to replace Ryan next season, however, the running back problem can be solved.

There a lot of good games coming up in the draft at running back.

If you look back at recent years, running back talent has been through the roof and the Falcons should push all their chips in and go grab them one.

Guys like Travis Etienne, Najee Harris, and Chuba Hubbard will be available last in the first round until early in the third and the best thing about it is that the Falcons could afford to trade down and get more assets to help rebuild their team.