What It Means:

The Falcons have made heavy usage of Patterson in the running game over the past few seasons, but the arrival of Bijan Robinson plus the emergence of Tyler Allgeier do put his potential for run game opportunities at risk for the upcoming season. Still, Patterson has been one of the most dynamic playmakers in the NFL throughout his career and it seems like Smith will still have a role carved out for him in the Falcons' offense. Whether that comes via the running game, the aerial attack, or exclusively through special teams remains to be seen.

Patterson is currently projected as numberFire's RB51 for the 2023 season. His production will be difficult to project on weekly basis while Robinson and Allgeier remain healthy, but he could have real upside as a late-round pick as a potential handcuff to either of those backs. The Falcons are light on wide receivers behind Drake London as well, which could lead to more opportunities than expected for Patterson in the receiving game.