2012 Atlanta Falcons Training Camp Roster Overview: Running Backs and Fullbacks

The Atlanta Falcons have cut last year's starting fullback Ovie Mughelli but have decided to bring back as many players as they could in the backfield with the re-acquisitions of Nance, Smith and Snelling.

The Falcons also have quite a bit of competition at fullback with Bradie Ewing, Mike Cox and Lee Meisner all competing for the roster spots.

Michael Turner

2011 Role: Starting running back

2012 Role: Starting running back

Michael Turner is still one of the top backs in the NFL. Turner is a leader in the Falcons backfield and has gained 5,281 yards and has scored 50 touchdowns in his four years in Atlanta.

Turner could end up as the most prolific Falcons rusher ever.

Jason Snelling

2011 Role: Backup "pounding" running back

2012 Role: Backup "pounding" running back

Snelling is the Falcons backup "pounding" running back, which is a good thing since he's a change of pace from Turner in the passing game as he's a better fit for the screen passing game.

He also is a better shotgun-style fullback for the Falcons.

Jacquizz Rodgers

2011 Role: Change of pace backup running back

2012 Role: Change of pace backup running back

With the advent of the screen game, Rodgers will end up as the person who gains the most. He will be used much like Darren Sproles was used in New Orleans and will give the team a new dimension that just wasn't there in 2012.

Antone Smith

2011 Role: Special teams ace

2012 Role: Special teams ace

Smith is one of the few players out there who can tackle just as well as he can run the ball.

Smith may not make the roster though as there are multiple players who could end up taking his spot as the fourth-best back on the team and also play wide receiver.

Dmitri Nance

2011 Role: Backup running back in Green Bay

2012 Role: Special teams and backup running back

Nance was a starter for Koetter in college, but he isn't an NFL-caliber running back and will likely not be on an NFL roster in the 2012 season.

Nance plays a very replaceable role at a spot that's very easy to find people to compete for every year.

Robbie Frey

2011 Role: Starting running back for Kutztown State

2012 Role: Special teams ace and backup power back

Frey started his career at Connecticut and transferred to Kutztown state. He likely will not make the roster, but he has the frame and strength to provide competition to Smith and Nance during training camp in the 2012 season.

Bradie Ewing

2011 Role: Starting fullback for the Wisconsin Badgers

2012 Role: Competing for the starting fullback role with Mike Cox

Cox and Ewing will compete for the starting spot this year. Ewing is a four-year starter from the University of Wisconsin and is a crushing blocker who will be the lead blocker that Ovie Mughelli was with much better receiving and screen-blocking skills.

Mike Cox

2011 Role: Injury-replacement starter at fullback

2012 Role: Competing for the starting fullback spot with Bradie Ewing

Cox did a very admirable job for Atlanta in replacing Ovie Mughelli when Mughelli went down.

However, Ewing should over power him for the starting job. Cox is a strong fullback who has some receiving ability but doesn't have the same kind of dynamism that Ewing has.

Lee Meisner

2011 Role: Starting linebacker for Colorado State-Pueblo

2012 Role: Special teams ace and backup fullback

Considering the negligible salary difference between Cox and Meisner, it should be a fair job.

However, Meisner is converting and playing fullback for the first time. Meisner should be competitive with Cox for a spot on the roster.