ATLANTA -- Former Georgia running back Nick Chubb told ESPN he has a pre-draft visit scheduled with the Atlanta Falcons next Wednesday.
"They're showing me a lot of love," Chubb said with a wide smile.
Chubb acknowledged, however, that being drafted by the Falcons is a long shot based on their current running back situation. Devonta Freeman, who signed a five-year, $41.25 million extension last August, is the starter. Tevin Coleman, who is entering the final year of his rookie deal, is the backup, and general manager Thomas Dimitroff said Atlanta has no plans to trade Coleman.
Still, Chubb's visit to the Falcons will make for interesting conversation based on his production with the Bulldogs --- his 4,769 career rushing yards rank second behind Herschel Walker in school and SEC history -- and his reputation as a powerful back. The 5-foot-11, 228-pound Chubb has been projected as a Day 2 pick by ESPN draft expect Todd McShay, who acknowledged that Chubb could move up. At the combine, Chubb impressed with 29 bench-press reps to tie top running back prospect Saquon Barkley. Chubb's 40-yard dash time was 4.53.
Falcons coach Dan Quinn has made a conscious effort to keep close ties to coach Kirby Smart's Georgia program. A majority of Quinn's staff attended the Bulldogs' pro day, including new running backs coach Bernie Parmalee. Both Chubb and Sony Michel went through running back drills.
Chubb said he enjoyed his recent visit to the Carolina Panthers, a team that could use another running back to pair with Christian McCaffrey after the Panthers cut ties with Jonathan Stewart. Chubb also told ESPN he has a visit scheduled with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on April 10, so that would make it three NFC South teams on his pre-draft tour.
Chubb is from Cedartown, Georgia, located 72 miles northeast of Atlanta. He's a fan of the Falcons, based on what he said about his hometown team at the combine.
"You know I'm a Georgia boy, man," he said. "I like the Falcons. I'm from Georgia. Red and black all the time. It would be good to play for them, maybe later in my career. It would be fun."
Stay tuned.