Michael Turner

You’re going to see a ton of second-year Falcon running back Jacquizz Rodgers.

The Falcons have tried to go lightly on starter Michael Turner in recent preseasons because they knew he’d be carrying a heavy load in the regular season. You’ll see even more efforts in that direction this year because the Falcons have been very clear that they want to limit Turner’s workload in 2012. He still will be the starter and will get the bulk of the carries.

But coordinator Dirk Koetter is bringing in a new offensive scheme and Rodgers has a chance to be an important part of that. Turner is a power runner and never has been much of a factor as a receiver out of the backfield. Rodgers has all the tools to be a real threat as a receiver and the Falcons want to get him involved and create a new wrinkle in their offense. But the Falcons are hoping Rodgers can be more of a third-down back.

Seems like a situation similar to Frank Gore in SF, however, we still have Turner as a high RB2 option (13th on our RB board), available in the fourth round. Rodgers will serve as a third down/change of pace back for the Falcons in combination with Jason Snelling.

Turner should still see the bulk of the carries and goal line work. Gore (4.08) and Turner (4.05) have very similar ADPs, yet Turner seems like a much safer option at that point in the draft.