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For the last three seasons, the Atlanta Falcons have relied on the one-two punch of Bijan Robinson and Tyler Allgeier to carry the ground game. However, that duo is a thing of the past as Allgeier signed a two-year, $12.25 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals in free agency.
The Falcons brought in Brian Robinson Jr. to replace Tyler Allgeier, signing the veteran running back to a one-year $2.5 million contract. While Robinson and Robinson should carry the bulk of the load for Atlanta in 2026, the team could still add another back in the draft.
With the 2026 NFL Draft just over a week away, we're examining potential targets at each position. Here's a look at four running back options for the Falcons in this year's draft.
The Falcons had a pre-draft visit with Washington a few weeks ago. The Arkansas standout is the highest-rated running back on this list and will likely go somewhere on Day 2. Last season, Washington rushed for 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry. He also had 28 catches for 226 receiving yards. At 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Washington is tough to bring down.
"Washington brings alluring size, straight-line speed and yards-after-contact potential as a power back, but also noticeably good vision and footwork to be a potential early-down back in a committee in a man- or gap-scheme run game," PFF wrote in Washington's scouting profile.
Johnson lacks some of Washington's physical traits, but his production at Nebraska was off the charts. The Cornhuskers standout rushed for 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, adding 46 catches for another 370 receiving yards. Johnson is considered a mid-round prospect who is currently projected to go early on Day 3 of the draft.
"He brings a steady dose of urgency, decisiveness and fairly predictable run tracks," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "Johnson’s production and game-by-game consistency stand out despite average size and top-end speed."
If the Falcons are looking for a true third-down back, Washington's Jonah Coleman could be an ideal target. Last season, he rushed for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 31 catches for 346 receiving yards. Coleman was equally as productive in 2023 and 2024. Atlanta could use Coleman's versatility to take some pressure off of Robinson and Robinson this year Atlanta.
"Coleman may not have the flashy athleticism of a fan-favorite RB1, but his game is efficient, powerful and translatable to NFL success, specifically behind zone-blocking schemes where he can gain momentum and one-cut into rushing lanes," PFF wrote about the Huskies running back.
Jones met virtually with the Falcons and could be an option on Day 3 of the draft, or potentially as an undrafted free agent. While Jones' production as a runner has been underwhelming, his ability as a pass-catcher could translate well to the NFL game. Over the last two seasons, the Bulldogs RB has recorded 44 receptions for 470 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
"I’m the ultimate competitor at the end of the day," Jones said when asked why NFL teams should draft him. "I’m going to work my butt off every single day. I hate losing. Winning is part of who I am. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win."
The 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off Thursday, April 23, and the Falcons have just five total picks. Atlanta's first selection isn't until Day 2 of the draft (pick No. 48 overall).
Follow along with each meeting using our Falcons pre-draft visits tracker ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons RB targets in 2026 NFL Draft
Continue reading...
The Falcons brought in Brian Robinson Jr. to replace Tyler Allgeier, signing the veteran running back to a one-year $2.5 million contract. While Robinson and Robinson should carry the bulk of the load for Atlanta in 2026, the team could still add another back in the draft.
With the 2026 NFL Draft just over a week away, we're examining potential targets at each position. Here's a look at four running back options for the Falcons in this year's draft.
1). RB Mike Washington Jr., Arkansas
The Falcons had a pre-draft visit with Washington a few weeks ago. The Arkansas standout is the highest-rated running back on this list and will likely go somewhere on Day 2. Last season, Washington rushed for 1,066 yards and eight touchdowns on 6.4 yards per carry. He also had 28 catches for 226 receiving yards. At 6-foot-2, 228 pounds, Washington is tough to bring down.
"Washington brings alluring size, straight-line speed and yards-after-contact potential as a power back, but also noticeably good vision and footwork to be a potential early-down back in a committee in a man- or gap-scheme run game," PFF wrote in Washington's scouting profile.
2). RB Emmett Johnson, Nebraska
Johnson lacks some of Washington's physical traits, but his production at Nebraska was off the charts. The Cornhuskers standout rushed for 1,450 yards and 12 touchdowns last season, adding 46 catches for another 370 receiving yards. Johnson is considered a mid-round prospect who is currently projected to go early on Day 3 of the draft.
"He brings a steady dose of urgency, decisiveness and fairly predictable run tracks," wrote NFL.com's Lance Zierlein. "Johnson’s production and game-by-game consistency stand out despite average size and top-end speed."
3). RB Jonah Coleman, Washington
If the Falcons are looking for a true third-down back, Washington's Jonah Coleman could be an ideal target. Last season, he rushed for 758 yards and 15 touchdowns, while adding 31 catches for 346 receiving yards. Coleman was equally as productive in 2023 and 2024. Atlanta could use Coleman's versatility to take some pressure off of Robinson and Robinson this year Atlanta.
"Coleman may not have the flashy athleticism of a fan-favorite RB1, but his game is efficient, powerful and translatable to NFL success, specifically behind zone-blocking schemes where he can gain momentum and one-cut into rushing lanes," PFF wrote about the Huskies running back.
4). RB Cash Jones, Georgia
Jones met virtually with the Falcons and could be an option on Day 3 of the draft, or potentially as an undrafted free agent. While Jones' production as a runner has been underwhelming, his ability as a pass-catcher could translate well to the NFL game. Over the last two seasons, the Bulldogs RB has recorded 44 receptions for 470 receiving yards and five touchdowns.
"I’m the ultimate competitor at the end of the day," Jones said when asked why NFL teams should draft him. "I’m going to work my butt off every single day. I hate losing. Winning is part of who I am. I’ll do whatever I can to help the team win."
The 2026 NFL Draft officially kicks off Thursday, April 23, and the Falcons have just five total picks. Atlanta's first selection isn't until Day 2 of the draft (pick No. 48 overall).
Follow along with each meeting using our Falcons pre-draft visits tracker ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons RB targets in 2026 NFL Draft
Continue reading...
