Atlanta Falcons trade up for a quarterback in this full mock draft

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Mar 4, 2023; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Alabama???Birmingham running back Dewayne McBride (RB15) speaks to the press at the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Pick #161, DeWayne McBride

Last season the Falcons hit a home run in this spot taking Tyler Allgeier who in his rookie season rushed for over 1,000 yards and clearly will be Atlanta’s starter heading into next season. However, Arthur Smith’s system is clearly set up to have at least three or four viable running options on the roster leaving the door open for the Falcons to add to the position.

DeWayne is a great fit for the Falcons in a player who put together his best season at the perfect time just as Allgeier did before the 2022 draft. McBride is going to fall in this draft due both to where he played and the fact at times he runs sideways far too often.

Patience at the line of scrimmage is important but at the next level, McBride must accelerate faster not waiting for the perfect running lane to appear but making decisions far quicker. What makes McBride such a great fit for the Falcons is his willingness to finish runs and seek out contact something Arthur Smith clearly loves and appreciates.