The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Allgeier OK with Falcon's top pick
Falcons running back Tyler Allgeier set a franchise record for rushing yards by a rookie last season with 1,035, breaking the 43-yearold mark that was previously held by William Andrews (1,023 in 1979).
So, was he stunned when the Falcons used the eighth overall pick in the recent NFL draft to select running back Bijan Robinson?
“I was excited,” said Allgeier, who was drafted in the fifth round last season. “The guys upstairs do things for a reason. We are bringing the right guy in here. It’s just competition. That’s the name of this game. Competition. I’m excited for him to come in and see what’s up.”
The Falcons finished third in the league in rushing yards last season when they averaged 159.9 yards per game.
Allgeier, perhaps being polite, said he wasn’t sure if he was consulted about the move.
Both backs were working in the offense during the open OTA on Wednesday.
“He’s trying learn from me, but I’m learning from him,” Allgeier said of Robinson. “Him being an all-around back, that’s my goal. To be an all-around back … protecting the quarterback, obviously running the ball and then just being a threat (out of ) the backfield. I’m still struggling to do that, so having him, having us compete with that is good.”
Setting the franchise’s rookie rushing mark is starting to sink in with Allgeier.
“I get that a lot,” Allgeier said. “It took a while. … Now, it’s just building off of that.”
Allgeier enjoyed have some rest over the offseason.
“Going on my rookie January, combine training and then boom, in-season, everything is on a schedule,” Allgeier said. “Then just really taking time off u ntillik e Super Bowl week. Just taking that time off to really just gather all of the injuries, gather all of the nick, knacks and bruises, just getting those right. Then just getting back at it. Then just training an dnowwe’re here.”