Jacquizz Rodgers is proof positive that the Falcons are investing in artillery.
One of the most explosive players in the NFL Draft this year, Rodgers is a diminutive 5'6" and 196 pounds. At Oregon State, he was absolutely dominant despite his size, racking up nearly five yards a carry, 46 touchdowns and more than 3,500 yards in just three seasons.
If you're the kind of person who gets hung up on how tall backs are, then you're not going to like Rodgers now. But you should, because he's got an insane blend of above-average speed, balance, power and agility. He's closer to someone like Maurice Jones-Drew or Ray Rice than he is a pure speed back, and he's a capable pass catcher on a roster where only Jason Snelling can currently boast that.
Make no mistake, the Falcons didn't swap their fifth and a seventh round pick to move up because they were desperate to get a back. They were targeting Rodgers, who is deceptively durable and should see more snaps than Jerious Norwood ever did starting in 2011. He'll probably never start for the Falcons, but he's an awesome complementary piece and someone who adds a scary new dimension to a team that has added two potent, explosive players to its offense.
I love this pick. Setting aside the blockbuster trade, which will remain a point of contention for a while to come, the three guys the Falcons have gotten so far are amazingly good fits. Never say this team doesn't know how to fill holes.
Discuss Rodgers.