SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU star Tyler Allgeier is about to begin his first training camp as an NFL player.

The fifth-round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 2022 NFL draft hasn’t played in a pro game yet. But there’s buzz growing that the single-season rushing leader in BYU history could be the next featured back for the Falcons.

The Falcons have high expectations from this rookie class. Here’s an offensive skill player who could stir things up from Day 1. From NFL Now @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/pieCWzbULz

— Steve Wyche (@wyche89) July 18, 2022

The 5-foot-11, 220-pound Allgeier was highlighted by the NFL Network’s Steve Wyche as a rookie that could make a significant impact for the Falcons this season.

“This is a player in his final two years at BYU, had 2,700 rushing yards, 36 touchdowns, he can catch the ball,” said Wyche. “As you see right there, he can evade tackles, and he’s got the big play possibility. (Atlanta Falcons) have such high expectations out of him … they cut last year’s starter Mike Davis, who’s now with the Ravens. And as we know, head coach Arthur Smith’s whole offense circulates around the ground game. Now they’ve got a running back they feel who can be the bell cow to get that going.”

Tyler Allgeier reports to camp on Tuesday

Allgeier will report to training camp on Tuesday, July 19, with the rest of the Falcons rookie class. Veterans on the Atlanta roster will report to the Falcons training facility in Flowery Branch, Georgia, one week later on July 26.

Along with Allgeier, the Falcons could be a team relying heavily on their rookie class. Their first-round pick, wide receiver Drake London from USC, is expected to be a day one starter.

The Falcons also have a rookie quarterback in Desmond Ridder from Cincinnati. Atlanta selected him with a third-round pick. He’s projected to be the backup to veteran Marcus Mariota.

Rookie RB Tyler Allgeier can do it all 🥊

📺: https://t.co/8tGnbNnWW3 pic.twitter.com/AQSB1HfVEq

— Atlanta Falcons (@AtlantaFalcons) May 6, 2022

Atlanta Falcons RB competition

Allgeier’s biggest competition at running back in the Falcons backfield appears to be Cordarelle Patterson. Patterson is a slash player who has primarily been a wide receiver during his pro career. The Falcons also switched former Boise State defensive back Avery Williams to the running back room.

Last season, Allgeier was tied for the national lead for most rushing touchdowns by a player with 23.

Allgeier and the Falcons will make their 2022 debut in the preseason against the Detroit Lions on August 12.

Mitch Harper is a BYU Insider for KSLsports.com and host of the Cougar Tracks Podcast (SUBSCRIBE) and Cougar Sports Saturday (Saturday from 12–3 p.m.) on KSL Newsradio. Follow him on Twitter: @Mitch_Harper.

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