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How Jase McClellan fits into a crowded Atlanta Falcons backfield

Theo

Four. That’s how many years Terry Fontenot will finish this season and how many running backs he has drafted. This seems a bit excessive for a position often considered “less valuable” in today’s era, but is there a method to combat this madness?

Before spending big on Bijan Robinson, Fontenot used 5th round picks in 2021 and 2022 to draft Avery Williams and Tyler Allgeier. Both have had significant impacts in 2022; Williams was one of the best punt returners in the league, averaging more yards per return (16.2) than anyone else. Meanwhile, Allgeier was busy setting the franchise rookie record with 1,035, and Bijan lived up to the hype in 2023 (even if his signal-caller didn’t).

So why recruit Jase McClellan? This brings us back to the “less valuable” comment made earlier.

The devaluation of the running back

Unfortunately, running backs have shorter careers due to the nature of the position. Avery Williams suffered a devastating Achilles injury, causing him to miss all of 2023. Allgeier is healthy after two seasons, and a reduced role should help combat attrition. Still, his physical style will take its toll, and lower-tier running backs can often peak early, making it very risky to bank on consistency.

Enter 6th round pick Jase McClellan. McClellan’s story is one of resilience and determination. He understands better than anyone the punishment RBs take, having suffered an ACL injury in 2021. Since then, he has worked tirelessly and proven that his injury will not prevent him from reaching the next level.

Three down crusher

The words courage and tenacity have been used a lot by Morris and Fontenot when talking about the qualities they look for, and McClellan embodies both in abundance.

McClellan is your classic one-cut, a style that suits the Falcons’ offensive scheme. His vision and patience are that of a natural runner, allowing him to find the best lanes and make decisive cuts. He constantly runs behind his pads, using his low center of gravity to make successful tackles. Once he reaches the second level, he deploys a stiff, nasty arm, often gaining extra yards after contact. He is also able to stay on the field for 3rd downs thanks to his efforts in pass protection.

John Heisman once said, “Gentlemen, it is better to die as a child than to miss that football.” » Jase McClellan has recorded (0) fumbles during his Alabama Crimson Tide career.

Critical redundancy

The best asset McClellan offers Atlanta is “critical redundancy.” He offers a similar skill set and style of play to Tyler Allgeier or Bijan Robinson. While each brings a unique touch, they all fit the mold of what this offense wants from the RB room: savvy runners with good vision and one-cut ability.

McClellan will also be in line to compete for playing time on special teams, but with Cordarrelle Patterson and Avery Williams gone due to injury, don’t be surprised if McClellan finds himself getting a few carries sooner than expected .

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