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3 Running backs that are perfect draft fits for the Atlanta Falcons

By Dalton McCormick

Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back James Cook (4) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the third quarter during the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2022; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Georgia Bulldogs running back James Cook (4) runs the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide in the third quarter during the 2022 CFP college football national championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports /
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Atlanta Falcons
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – NOVEMBER 07: Cordarrelle Patterson #84 of the Atlanta Falcons runs with the ball against the New Orleans Saints during a game at the Caesars Superdome on November 07, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Jonathan Bachman/Getty Images) /

The NFL draft is less than 60 days away and action is starting to pick up in NFL front offices as teams begin to focus less on free agency and more on scouting and draft positioning. The Atlanta  Falcons enjoyed a breakout season from Cordarrelle Patterson as the former first round wide receiver ended the 2021 season as the team’s leading rusher.

Patterson just re-upped with Atlanta on a 2-year/$10.5M deal but will be 31-years old and the Falcons’ backfield is quite gloomy and their production on the ground suffered, averaging only 85.4 yards per game.

Patterson is a utility player who is going to line up all over the field. Atlanta cannot count on him as simply a running back. They need other reliable players at the position to help establish a consistent run game. Mike Davis is still under contract but could become a cap casualty if the Falcons were to find the right fit in the draft.

Terry Fontenot should certainly look to use one of his later-round picks on a running back as starting with the third round on back would be a great opportunity to upgrade the short and long-term future of the position. Here are three candidates that would be the most ideal.