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NFL Mock Draft 2013: Falcons select Giovani Bernard

Once they release Michael Turner, the Falcons will need a replacement and could find one in Bernard.

Joe Robbins

In SB Nation's latest mock draft by Matthew Fairburn, the Atlanta Falcons are selecting North Carolina Tar Heels running back Giovani Bernard with the No. 30 overall pick.

Bernard is the top-rated running back on Fairburn's board, and for good reason after the campaign that he just authored. In 2012, Bernard ran for 1,228 yards and 12 touchdowns and showed his skills as a receiver with 47 catches for 490 yards and five scores.

For more on the Falcons, check out The Falcoholic

In Atlanta's offense, Bernard's ability to be a multi-faceted back would be a huge plus. The Falcons like to swing the ball out and get people in space, and that would suit the North Carolina product very well.

Running back is really the only glaring need for Atlanta, a team whose expectations going into 2013 are Super Bowl or bust. With another weapon for Matt Ryan and offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter to play with, those lofty goals might be reached.

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Photographs by coka_koehler used in background montage under Creative Commons. Thank you.