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2017 NFL Draft Grades: Atlanta Falcons Day 3 Picks

By Nafisa H

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) rushes for a touchdown during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV won the game in the third overtime period 69-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 12, 2016; Las Vegas, NV, USA; Wyoming Cowboys running back Brian Hill (5) rushes for a touchdown during a game against the UNLV Rebels at Sam Boyd Stadium. UNLV won the game in the third overtime period 69-66. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 5, No. 156: Brian Hill, RB – Wyoming

The Atlanta Falcons have two starting running backs in Devonta Freeman and Tevin Coleman. Unless they leave the Falcons or miss time with injury, Brian Hill out of Wyoming won’t start. However, he can be utilized to throw the defense off or on third- or fourth-down situations with his physicality. Even if he sees little playing time during his rookie season, he will have the opportunity to learn from elite running backs and hone his pass protection skills, which will give the Falcons a solid back in the future.

Hill is a power back when compared to Freeman and Coleman. He plows through the defense and could punch it in at the goal line. Regardless of whether he’s the intended back for a play or not, his blocking will pave the way for Freeman and Coleman to gain yardage. Hill also maintains ball security even after taking hits. This gives him an advantage when competing for a spot.

I anticipate the competition at fullback and running back being the biggest battle during training camp. With Devonta Freeman, Tevin Coleman, Derrick Coleman, Sona Vainuku and now, Brian Hill, the Atlanta Falcons have multiple options and if they implement a running-back-by-committee rotation, they may finally balance their play on the ground and with their potent aerial attck.

Grade: A-

Round 5, No. 174: Eric Saubert, TE – Drake

The Atlanta Falcons had a void in their offense when veteran tight end Jacob Tamme left. They filled it by selecting Eric Saubert out of Drake University with their final fifth-round pick.

Saubert is a star when running routes with his speed, instinctiveness, and ability to track the ball in the air. He lays it all out on the field (sometimes with acrobatic catches) and it pays off as he’s been able to rack up several touchdowns. Saubert makes the difficult catches away from his body as he hunts the ball. In addition to that, he can make all the difference for the Falcons in the red zone — if he remains focused, that is.

Next: 2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Day 2 Grades

Saubert needs to hone in on his blocking skills and become more consistent but has the potential to help the Falcons go all the way. Needless to say, the Atlanta Falcons won with this pick and in this year’s draft.

Grade: B

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