FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- After going with back-to-back defensive picks on Day 3, the Atlanta Falcons drafted former Pittsburgh running back Qadree Ollison with the 152nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.
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WHY HE FITS
After losing Tevin Coleman in free agency, it was believe the Falcons could bring in a running back to add more depth at the position. Ollison, who is 6-foot-1 and 228 pounds, will immediately add needed size to the Falcons' backfield. Ollison finished his college career with 529 carries for 2,859 yards and 29 touchdowns.
SCOUTING REPORT
Like Coleman, Ollison should be a good fit in the Falcons' outside zone scheme. Showing the ability to stretch the outside corner a put his foot in the ground to get upfield, Ollison is an athletic runner who can break through arm tackles. Ollison ran a 4.58-second 40-yard dash, and he will give the Falcons a different type of running back alongside Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith in the backfield.
DRAFT GRADES
CBSSports.com
- Grade: C+
- Comment: "Ollison is a tall, powerful back who runs high and flashed the ability to make one cut and get down field in a hurry. Good fit in Atlanta's zone-blocking scheme, and good spot for Ollison after Tevin Coleman left in free agency."
Mike Tanier, Bleacher Report
- Grade: C-
- Comment: "Ollison rushed for 1,121 yards in relief of James Conner in 2015 and then got stuck behind Conner and Darrin Hall for two seasons, reemerging last year with 1,213 yards. He's a bit of a poor man's Conner without the receiving chops, mixed with a little bit of Ito Smith 2.0. The Falcons need to reload at running back, but Ollison is a reach."
