The Falcons running back room is one of the only position groups that doesn’t need overhauling, though an influx of talent wouldn’t hurt. Atlanta currently has Cordarrelle Patterson, Mike Davis, Damien Williams, and Qadree Ollison under contract but running back is a position a team can repeatedly draft because the burnout rate is high.
The way Arthur Smith uses running backs, I tend to think Terry Fontenot would draft one or two every year. That way, when one inevitably works out and asks for a second contract, the team is in a position to just replace him with a cheap rookie. I’m of the opinion a team should never hand a running back a second contract and certainly not a third contract, but obviously, Atlanta has shown with Patterson that it can be done wisely.
Constantly replenishing the running back stable is key because the Falcons only have one under contract past the 2022 season. This draft class isn’t headlined by a Saquon Barkley or Ezekiel Elliott-level prospect, but there are still some impressive backs. Isaiah Spiller is one that consistently shows up at the top of rankings for the position, and according to Aaron Wilson, the Falcons are heavily interested in him.
Texas A&M RB Isaiah Spiller @isaiah_spiller told @PFN365 he'll do Texans' local Pro Day Monday; 'That would be great staying home, I think I could be a great asset'; top 30 visit with Bills; heavy interest Falcons, Buccaneers, Commanders; Zooms with Ravens, Packers #NFLDraftNews
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) April 1, 2022
Spiller has a tremendous skill set to offer potential NFL teams. He rushed for 1,011 yards on 179 carries (5.6 YPC) with six touchdowns in 2021 while also hauling in 25 catches for 189 yards and a touchdown.
He’s the ideal big-bodied, one-cut runner that thrives in Smith’s system. Spiller is arguably the best pure runner in this class as he displays great patience, vision, and balance. He might not have breakaway speed, but his burst through contract will make him a difference-maker at the next level.
He’s got three-down back potential because of his willingness to pass protect, but he leaves a bit to be desired as a receiver. It’s not that Spiller can’t be a decent receiving threat in the NFL; he just wasn’t asked to do it a whole lot with the Aggies.
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