Atlanta Falcons improve running back depth drafting Tyler Allgeier

The Atlanta Falcons were headed into the season with Mike Davis and Cordarrelle Patterson as the only clear contributors in the Atlanta backfield. This is far from ideal when you consider Patterson is at his best when he can line up at any position and Mike Davis is coming off of a very rough season.

Patterson will likely be the starter but Atlanta needed another option aside from Davis. They may have found that option in the 5th-round pick Tyler Allgeier.

Allgeier put together an impressive college career amassing 2,899-rushing yards in his four seasons with Brigham Young University. Most of that production came in an impressive final season that saw Allgeier average 5.8-yards-per-carry and finish with over 1,600-rushing yards and 2323-touchdowns.

Tyler improved as a pass-catcher as well throughout his college career catching 28-passes in his final season. For Atlanta, this move is more about depth and a secondary option behind Patterson is Davis is cut or unable to bounce back from a rough season.

Algeier is being brought in as a depth option and a change of pace running back not a starter or a player who is expected to touch the ball often in his first season. Ideally, he will prove himself in pre-season and give the team a player who can step into the role Mike Davis is currently filling.

Damien Williams and Qadree Ollison are on Atlanta’s roster as well and will compete with Allgeier for the role behind Cordarrelle Patterson and Mike Davis. Though it is fair to wonder if a great camp and pre-season could give two of these options jobs. Davis has underperformed his contract thus far and could be cut if the team believes they have two legitimate options behind Patterson headed into the season. Allgeier gives them a shot at finding that player and someone who could have a surprise impact this season.