The Falcoholic
Led by the great Bijan Robinson, the Falcons figure to have one of the league’s better backfields in 2025.
Running back has a strong case for most potent position on the Atlanta Falcons roster. Bijan Robinson is an all-world talent fresh off a hugely impressive season, Tyler Allgeier is inarguably one of the best backup options in football, and the team has an array of young, solid players vying for their third spot.
That means there’s limited intrigue here in terms of position battles, and much to celebrate for the season ahead. By releasing 2024 draft pick Jase McClellan, however, the Falcons have created a more interesting camp battle between grizzled veteran Carlos Washington, reserve/future contract signing Elijah Dotson, and fresh faces Nate Carter and Jashaun Corbin.
Let’s take a closer look at that group now.
Bijan Robinson
I said it way back in January and I’ll repeat it here: Bijan’s season was nothing short of tremendous. He fumbled once (and that was a high direct snap he couldn’t bring in) and put together the most complete work as a runner and pass catcher we’ve seen in Atlanta since peak Warrick Dunn, or maybe even William Andrews. He’s tough to tackle, tough to catch up with, and virtually impossible to take on one-on-one in the open field, where he changes directions faster than the average defender can process.
There’s no reason to believe Robinson will do anything but meet or exceed his 2024 production, and he’s an invaluable piece of this offense.
Tyler Allgeier
I do believe Allgeier could be a credible starter for at least a third of the league, but here he is as the obvious backup to Robinson. A capable blocker, sneakily effective receiving option, and bowling ball on knife-tipped wheels as a runner, Allgeier does everything well and offers the kind of physicality that wears defenses down. He’s invaluable insurance for a Robinson injury and a terrific complement whenever and wherever he’s used, making Allgeier one of the best backups in the game.
Carlos Washington, Nate Carter, Elijah Dotson, Jashaun Corbin
Washington is the senior member of this group, having been in Atlanta continuously since 2023. He has appeared in just one NFL regular season game thus far, but has had his moments as a runner, receiver, and special teamer in recent summers and has a good shot to stick around as at least a practice squad player.
Carter joined up as an undrafted free agent this offseason after a successful two-year stint in Michigan State, where he was a powerful runner and an occasionally useful receiving option. The early down promise as a bruising runner may give him a shot at sticking here, though a practice squad spot seems more likely than a roster spot.
There might be a better shot for Dotson, a solidly built runner who was an at-times extremely productive receiving option in college. His sure hands and work as a returner give...
