Four. That’s the number of years Terry Fontenot will complete this season and the number of running backs he’s drafted. It sounds a little overindulgent for a position often deemed ‘less valuable’ in the current era, but is there a method to the madness?
Before spending big on Bijan Robinson, Fontenot used 5th-round picks in 2021 and 2022 to draft Avery Williams and Tyler Allgeier. Both 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. Meanwhile, Allgeier was busy setting the franchise rookie rushing record with 1,035, and Bijan lived up to the hype in 2023 (even though his play caller didn’t).
So why draft Jase McClellan ? That goes back to the “less valuable” comment made earlier.
JASE MCCLELLAN IS A FALCON!pic.twitter.com/ZFfzh1V9Nn
— Sidelines – Bama (@SSN_Alabama) April 27, 2024
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 has been healthy after two seasons, and a reduced role should help with wear and tear. Still, his physical style will take a toll, and lower-round running backs can often peak early, making banking on consistency very risky.
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 isn’t going to keep him from reaching the next level.
Three-Down Grinder
The words grit and toughness have been used a lot by Morris and Fontenot when talking about qualities they’re looking for, and McClellan embodies both in abundance.
McClellan is your classic one-cut back, 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 consistently runs behind his pads, using his low center of gravity to power through tackles. Once he hits the second level, he deploys a nasty stiff arm, often gaining extra yards after contact. He’s also able to stay on the field for 3rd downs thanks to his effort in pass protection.
Jase McClellan gets this party started🌹
pic.twitter.com/VGqkDMa3xE
— PFF College (@PFF_College) January 1, 2024
John Heisman once said, “Gentlemen, it is better to have died as a small boy than to fumble this football.” Jase McClellan recorded (0) fumbles in his Alabama Crimson Tide career.
Critical Redundancy
The best asset McClellan provides Atlanta is ‘critical redundancy ‘. He offers a skill set and playing style similar to Tyler Allgeier or Bijan Robinson. While each brings a unique twist, 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 playtime on special teams, but with the departure of Cordarrelle Patterson and Avery Williams coming off an injury, don’t be surprised if McClellan finds himself getting a few carries earlier than expected.
