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

1. James Cook, Georgia

If you watched Georgia football in 2021 you witnessed a variety of different looks on the offensive side of the ball and numerous different faces getting involved. James Cook was one of the most impressive and he was the home runner hitter you turned to when you needed a spark and that was the theme throughout his tenure not just as a runner but as a pass-catcher as well. Cook has respectable hands but his twitchiness and ability to shake any defender made him a nightmare matchup in empty sets.

James, the brother of Dalvin tested very well in Indianapolis posting a 4.42 forty, 33″ vertical, and a 10’4″ broad jump. Cook checks the boxes in terms of pure athletic ability and his high-end acceleration is another plus. Cook has plenty of treads left on the tires as he only had 302-touches in all facets of the game during his four years in Athens, which in return led to his vision not developing at the clip you’d like or his pass protection but this is a player with a lot of upsides.

The idea of pairing Cordarrelle Patterson and James Cook is enticing though it is concerning that neither is considered a great blocker. A trait that the Falcons are going to need lining Marcus Mariota up in front of what is currently still one of the worst lines in football.