Pros and cons of Atlanta Falcons picking Alabama football's Jase McClellan in 2024 NFL Draft

The Atlanta Falcons selected Alabama RB Jase McClellan with the 186th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McClellan spent four seasons with the Crimson Tide and was a member of the 2020 national championship-winning team. Here's everything you need to know about McClellan:

What McClellan brings to Falcons in 2024 NFL Draft

McClellan is an early-down back who displays good patience and vision as a runner. He has decent speed and elusiveness but lacks elite, home-run speed. McClellan excels at diagnosing his running lanes and absorbing contact from defenders. He is patient when allowing his blocks to develop and choosing the right lane to run through. He is a very balanced runner, which allows him to make smooth, efficient cuts and stay upright through contact. His vision also helps him fight through contact as he can quickly brace himself to prepare for tacklers. McClellan struggled in pass protection and did not get many looks as a receiver out of the backfield, but he was decently productive when he did get those and has soft, reliable hands. At Alabama, McClellan served as a backup behind future NFL starters Najee Harris, Brian Robinson Jr. and Jahmyr Gibbs before taking over as the starter as a senior in 2023. McClellan suffered a torn ACL in 2021 that ended his sophomore season after five games.

Jase McClellan highlights, strengths, weaknesses at Alabama football

McClellan scored two touchdowns in Alabama's College Football Playoff loss to Michigan, including a 25-yard carry to open the scoring that included a smooth juke of a Michigan defender. He rushed 14 times for 87 yards (6.2 yards/attempt) and added two catches for 11 yards in that game. McClellan ran for over 100 yards twice in 2023: 105 yards on 17 carries against Ole Miss (6.2 yards/attempt) and 115 yards on 27 carries (4.3 yards/attempt) against Tennessee. He scored a rushing touchdown in both games. Overall, McClellan is not an explosive athlete, and his struggles as a pass blocker will limit his three-down back upside, but he is a smart and reliable player who could serve well as a change-of-pace back on early downs.

Jase McClellan stats at Alabama football

• College rushing stats: 341 attempts, 1,894 rushing yards, 5.6 yards/attempt, 16 touchdowns

• College receiving stats: 38 receptions, 398 receiving yards, 10.5 yards/catch, 6 touchdowns

Jase McClellan NFL player potential

McClellan projects best as an early-down, change-of-pace back in a committee. This would allow McClellan to adapt to various roles out of the backfield. His greatest value comes from his consistency and high IQ as a runner, so the coaching staff will know exactly what they are getting with him. However, McClellan's lack of elite athletic traits limits his NFL upside.

This article originally appeared on The Tuscaloosa News: Falcons pick Jase McClellan in 2024 NFL Draft: Pros, cons of pick