Nick Chubb says the Atlanta Falcons are “showing me a lot of love”

We are still trying to figure out what the Atlanta Falcons will do in the NFL draft, just over three weeks away. Based on who they have met with, they are definitely looking at defensive tackles, linebackers, and even running backs.

Luckily, the Falcons do not have to look far to find one. University of Georgia standout running back Nick Chubb. His backup, Sony Michael, is actually expected to be the second running back drafted. That leaves the 5-foot-11, 228-pound Chubb to fall until the 2nd or 3rd round of the draft. Every UGA fan has seen Chubb bowl over defenders his entire career.

ESPN’s Vaughn McClure met up with Chubb after news broke of his visit with the Atlanta Falcons.

“They’re showing me a lot of love,” Chubb said with a wide smile.

McClure points out that selecting Chubb is unlikely, however, I disagree. The Falcons have made improving running back depth a priority, they just have not been successful. They were in the mix for Rex Burkhead last free agency, and drafted Brian Hill in the 5th round last year. Neither player touched the ball for the Falcons.

There is some belief that Steve Sarkisian wants a bigger running back in certain situations, and to be fair, who doesn’t? The Falcons are certainly committed to Devonta Freeman, but the expectation is that Tevin Coleman will leave in free agency next season. At the very least, both backs have dealt with injuries. With so few major needs, upgrading running back depth, and potentially the redzone and short-yardage offense, a more sizable back would be a big improvement.

For what it’s worth, Chubb sounds eager to play for the Falcons.

“You know I’m a Georgia boy, man,” he said. “I like the Falcons. I’m from Georgia. Red and black all the time. It would be good to play for them, maybe later in my career. It would be fun.”

Chubbs could fit in pretty well, but would likely need to fall to the end of the third round to end up in Atlanta. A second round pick sounds a little rich, but Atlanta could jump a couple of spots without it costing too much. Some draft analysts are unsure what to expect from Chubb. He suffered damage to multiple knee ligaments way back in October of 2015, and did not look like the same player in 2016. 2017 showed some serious improvement, but he has not looked quite like the player he was prior to injury.