2019 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - DECEMBER 23: Head coach Dan Quinn greets Matt Ryan #2 of the Atlanta Falcons after a play against the Carolina Panthers in the second quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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NORMAN, OK – SEPTEMBER 08: Running back Rodney Anderson #24 of the Oklahoma Sooners celebrates a touchdown against the UCLA Bruins at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Norman, Oklahoma. (Photo by Brett Deering/Getty Images) /

Round 4: Rodney Anderson

Rodney Anderson’s junior season at Oklahoma was cut short due to injury, but he should be ready to go when training camp begins. His injury history and a few character concerns will hurt his stock, but at this point in the draft his talent will be too much for the Falcons to pass up.

This pick is depending on Tevin Coleman moving on. When you listen to Dimitroff talk this offseason it’s pretty obvious that’s the outcome the Falcons front office expects. The team remains firmly committed to Devonta Freeman, but Ito Smith isn’t the guy to split carries with him full-time.

Anderson has the explosion that NFL teams want from the running back position. He’s not a physical runner, but he can turn small holes into big plays. His slashing style is a good fit for the way Atlanta likes to run the football.

The biggest question we have about Anderson at the next level is if he can learn to be a factor in pass protection. It’s not something he did much of at Oklahoma. If he wants to split carries with Freeman next season, he’ll need to protect his franchise quarterback on obvious passing downs.

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