NFL Draft 2013: Atlanta Falcons Work Out UCLA’s Johnathan Franklin
By Josh Sanchez
The Atlanta Falcons flew out to California on Saturday to work out a number of 2013 NFL Draft prospects including UCLA Bruins running back Johnathan Franklin.
Atlanta also workout out first-round prospect Datone Jones and San Diego State’s Gavin Escobar and Leon McFadden.
Jones is an interesting fit because he would be a solid first-round option for the team with their No. 1 pick if he is still available. Atlanta needs to add depth at defensive end and Jones would provide just that.
McFadden is a solid mid-round prospect at cornerback, while Gavin Escobar could be an option in round two and a potential replacement for Tony Gonzalez after this season. Escobar is one of the best receiving tight ends in this year’s draft class.
While Jones, Escobar and McFadden all could help out the Falcons, Franklin is the most intriguing player of the bunch.
Atlanta signed Steven Jackson in free agency, but the veteran running back is not the team’s long-term answer. However, Franklin could be that man. Out of the running backs available in this year’s draft, I have Franklin rated as the No. 1 talent.
Franklin is as well-rounded as you can get and he has some similarities in his game to San Francisco 49ers running back Frank Gore. He will likely come off of the board in the second-round.
If the Falcons are looking to add a running back that can help boost the teams offense for years to come, Franklin may be that guy.