The Atlanta Falcons picked RB Jacquizz Rodgers in the 5th round of the 2011 NFL Draft
The Falcons picked 21-year old RB Jacquizz Rodgers out of Oregon State with the 145th overall pick (5th round) of the 2011 NFL Draft. Rodgers is on the small side at 5’7″, 190 pounds and he runs a 4.45 40. Rodgers makes a lot of good moves and he is a excellent receiver out of the backfield. He projects to be a third down back because he can’t take the beating of a lot of carries at the NFL level and he doesn’t do his best running between the tackles. Rodgers played in 12 games (all starts) for Oregon State last year and he carried the ball 256 times for 1,184 yards (4.6 ypc) with 14 TD runs. He also caught 44 passes for 287 yards (6.5 avg) with 3 TD grabs last year. Rodgers played in 36 games (35 starts) in his three years with the Beavers and he carried the ball 788 times for 3,877 yards (4.9 ypc) with 46 TD runs. He also caught 151 passes for 1,056 yards (7.0 avg) with 5 TD grabs at Oregon State. This was a good pick for the Falcons as Rodgers might be the backup to Michael Turner as soon as 2011.
Rodgers is a great prospect. As for being on deck for Michael Turner, or even taking over 3rd downs. I just don’t see it for 2011. He will see a couple snaps don’t get me wrong. But Jason Snelling is far more developed, and along side Turner makes a hell of a 1, 2 punch. I see rodgers kinda taking over for what Jerious Norwood did after he lost the 2 spot from all the injuries he received. Return a couple punts, and come in every once in a blue to throw different looks to the defense. But all in all I think the Falcons will greatly benefit from this late pick, but over time.