At some point in next week's NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons will take a running back. After Jason Snelling retired, the team needs another body in the rotation and given how many games Steven Jackson missed last season, getting a solid player is a priority. Many NFL analysts predicted the Falcons could easily take a back in the second or third round, but what if a trade proved to be the better option?
Jackson will not play forever. After being a big free agent get for the Falcons last offseason, injuries reared their ugly head and he missed a solid portion of the season. Pair that with his age and the Falcons are in need of finding a replacement sooner rather than later. Jacquizz Rodgers is very talented in his own respect, but cannot handle the full workload by himself. That leaves Atlanta considering all options.
The Falcons have brought in three of the top running back prospects for a workout. The team has met with Tre Mason, Jeremy Hill and Carlos Hyde, all of which possess different qualities. Mason is more of a Reggie Bush type of running back. He is shifty and quick and when he finds a hole in the line, he is gone. Hill is more of a down-field runner. He is at his best when he is running through tackles, but still has the talent to find the corner and sprint off. Hyde is similar while also being a very talented blocker on the line.
The Falcons pick fifth in the second round and could make a move then for one of the three options. Hill and Hyde are predicted to be the first two backs off the board so any round later than the second and they could be gone. Mason would still be around come the third and possibly the fourth. However, if the Falcons are not looking to draft a back until the third or fourth round, could they make a trade instead?
LaMichael James is certainly worth one of those picks. The current San Francisco 49ers' back is up for grabs after getting buried on the depth chart. James has requested a move, but San Francisco is not confirming publically his availability. They are very interested in draft picks and could make deal. James essentially has the legs of a rookie and with NFL experience under his belt, he could be the better pick.
Mark Ingram could also be an option. The New Orleans Saints are not exercising his fifth-year option and will be ready to move on in the future. Ingram will be an expensive trade, but he has talent. However, the Falcons are unlikely to spend a lot on a back that they do not intend to start unless it is an emergency. The team is keeping their options open as Thomas Dimitroff loves making deals.