Perfect Picks: Atlanta Falcons
With the NFL Draft approaching we will be looking at each team and evaluating where they need to improve. In this particular series we will run a seven round mock using the Pro Football Network Mock Draft Simulator and find the ‘Perfect Picks’ for each franchise.
We will highlight four players that could help each team. This will feature picks 1 and 2, a mid round gem and a late round sleeper.
Round 1 - Jermaine Johnson II, EDGE, Florida State
The Falcons have spent first-round picks on the edge position twice in the last 8 years. Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley offered mixed results and now the cupboard is barer than ever. Lorenzo Carter is a stop-gap at best so taking an edge player makes a lot of sense. Johnson finally got the chance to shine at Florida State following a transfer from Georgia. His draft stock has been on the ascendancy during the pre-draft process and top-10 is on the cards. Could he be the man to finally bring regular edge pressure to the Falcons defense?
Round 2 - Christian Watson, WR, North Dakota State
Once the first round receivers have been hoovered up the options become a bit niche. You can pick up some nice slot options or some raw height/weight prospects. The one true all-rounder that may remain is NDSU’s Christian Watson. He combines the size (6’4) with elite speed (4.36 40-yard dash). Of course he has made hay dominating lesser competition for the most part but he would give the Falcons the no.1 target they desire at a less costly price point.
Mid Round Gem - Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
Calm down at the back. I can hear you, why is a team so devoid of talent using a top 100 pick on a running back? Well, this is the Falcons fifth selection and Rachaad White has the versatility as an offensive weapon to justify being taken here. The 6’2, 210lb White has plenty of juice and ability to make sharp cuts to break open defenses. He had 1000 yards rushing and just shy of 500 yards receiving last year for the Sun Devils. He can be the workhorse back while the Falcons find a solution at QB. Imagine Kyle Pitts, Christian Watson and White in place for whoever assumes the signal caller role in the future.
Late Round Sleeper - Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor
Make no mistake Falcons fans I am bringing you the speed in this draft. Barnes is yet another player who raised eyebrows with an impressive 4.23 40-yard dash in Indy. At this point of the draft it is about finding traits to hang your hat on. Barnes’ speed is something difficult to find. He is raw and will need time to bed in but the addition of Casey Hayward means that any secondary guys can learn from a veteran. His physicality paired with four years experience as an outside corner in the Big-10 will give him opportunities. He is certainly worth a flyer at this stage of the draft.
Draft In Full:
8. Jermaine Johnson II, Edge, Florida State
43. Christian Watson, WR, NDSU
58. Jalen Pitre, S, Baylor
74. Nik Bonitto, Edge, Oklahoma
82. Rachaad White, RB, Arizona State
114. Wandale Robinson, WR, Kentucky
151. Jamaree Salyer, OG, Georgia
190. Kalon Barnes, CB, Baylor
213. Zakoby McClain, LB, Auburn
