The Atlanta Falcons are all set at quarterback with Matt Ryan, have an elite No. 1 wide receiver in Julio Jones and discovered a breakout star last season with running back Devonta Freeman. However, they still have some glaring holes on both sides of the ball, and have just five picks in this year’s draft to try and fill them.
Get a better sense of the players they should be drafting with their five picks in the upcoming 2016 NFL Draft. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out our draft previews for the Tennessee Titans and Detroit Lions.
Round 1: Pick #17 (17th overall) – OLB Darron Lee – Ohio State
NEEDS at OLB: The Falcons were dead last in covering opposing running backs in the receiving game last season per DVOA, in large part because they have such limited speed in their linebacking corps. They need a faster, rangier weakside linebacker to help them plug that glaring hole in their defense.
STRENGTHS: Darron Lee fits the bill of that fast cover linebacker. Lee ran a blistering 4.47 40 at the combine, and was terrific in coverage for Urban Meyer at Ohio State. He even played some of the linebacker/safety hybrid that’s been gaining popularity in the league. His great speed also makes him a great blitzer from linebacker, which would be another big plus for the pass rush-deprived Falcons.
NEEDS at WR: After parting ways with veteran receiver Roddy White, the Falcons signed Mohamed Sanu be their new No. 2 behind Julio Jones. Sanu, though, has just 1,793 yards on 152 career receptions with 11 touchdowns over four NFL seasons, so grabbing another option at receiver, particularly one that can play in the slot, will be important.
STRENGTHS: Shepard was the No. 1 option on an Oklahoma team that went to the College Football Playoff last season, and he did it operating primarily from the slot. He has very good hands, dropping just four times in 89 catchable passes thrown toward him. He may be a little slight at just 5-10, 194 lbs., but he has good acceleration in his cuts, and can get up to win balls with his 41-inch vertical.
NEEDS at TE: The Falcons offense has had a Tony Gonzalez-shaped hole ever since the great tight end retired in 2013. Jacob Tamme and Levine Toilolo are competent, but they’re just not receiving threats, particularly in the red zone. They combined for just one touchdown last season.
STRENGTHS: At 6-4, 254 lbs., Austin Hooper has the body of the modern pass-catching NFL tight end and the skills to boot. He’s got very good agility and quickness for his size, as well as excellent body control. He also has experience running different kinds of routes after spending some time lined up in the slot and out wide.
Round 4: Pick #17 (115th overall) – DE Matt Judon – Grand Valley St.
NEEDS at DE: Despite drafting Vic Beasley (who was pretty underwhelming in his rookie season) last year, the Atlanta pass rush was still as anemic as ever. The Falcons finished dead last in adjusted sack rate, taking the QB down just 3.7% of the time. Beasley should make some improvements in his second year, but the need for more depth along the edge is still a pressing one.
STRENGTHS: Judon has the long arms and broad shoulders of a prototypical NFL defensive end. He used his elite physical tools to great effect by leading every level of college football last season with 20 sacks. There’s the obvious caveat of the inferior competition he faced in Division-II GLIAC, but his NFL-caliber build, burst off the line, and bend around the edge should be able to translate to the pro level.
NEEDS at G: The Falcons have decent tackles and upgraded at center, but guard remains a bit of a question mark in that O-line. It’s highly unlikely they get a starter in the seventh round, but they could nevertheless use a bit more depth at the position.
STRENGTHS: At 6-3, 321 lbs., Greene has a shorter frame compared to other O-linemen which gives him an advantage in terms of leverage. He’s quick off the snap, and possess good upper body strength and leg drive. Greene’s game is more on overpowering opposition, but has also displayed agile feet when blocking on the move.
The Falcons have five picks in the 2016 NFL Draft:
