The 2019 NFL draft is right around the corner and Dan Quinn and Thomas Dimitroff are working towards finalizing their boards for the big day.
The best part of the draft tends to come on Day 2, when the second and third rounds are held. Here are seven prospects to look out for that fit current roster needs for the Falcons.
S Darnell Savage, Maryland
With Brian Poole leaving for the Jets, the team could use another nickel cornerback. Savage is a prospect who can play the nickel role or either safety spot, adding extra depth behind starters Keanu Neal and Ricardo Allen. If Damontae Kazee or another key defensive back gets injured, Savage’s versatility would offer extra value.
DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
Simmons falling into the second round would be a bit surprising, but after finding out he has the knee injury as well as character questions, it wouldn’t be shocking to see him available at No. 45. Hes a first-round and possibly even top-five kind of talent, but his off-field questions can’t be overlooked. If Atlanta likes him enough, he might be worth the risk.
WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia
In the third round, the Falcons may want a returner who could also round out the receiver rotation. Hardman is a local product who would fit in everything that Dirk Koetter likes to do on offense. Adding Hardman gives the offense yet another deep threat. He might also be a dangerous YAC threat on west coast concepts.
LB Drue Tranquill, Notre Dame
If the Falcons decide to give up on Duke Riley, they could replace him with a talented linebacker like Drue Tranquill. Despite having a pair of ACL surgeries that could drop him to round three, Tranquill still tested more like a safety speed-wise and would fit in very well with how Dan Quinn uses his weak-side linebackers.
OT Kaleb McGary, Washington
If the Falcons pass on right tackle in the first round, replacing Ryan Schraeder (designated a June 1 cut) with what looks to be a clone of him like McGary in the second round makes a lot of sense. Unlike Schraeder, McGary wouldn’t be a 26-year-old player as a rookie. He’d be 24 his first season, so his career should have a longer shelf life.
EDGE Maxx Crosby, Eastern Michigan
Adding a pass rusher in the third round like Crosby would give the Falcons a solid replacement for Brooks Reed. Crosby’s build and athleticism are similar to Anthony Barr, but he’s not a coverage linebacker the way Barr has become in Minnesota. Crosby’s skill set is 100 percent that of an edge rusher. He could develop into a dangerous one under Quinn.
CB Julian Love, Notre Dame
Love has drawn comparisons to star Broncos corner Chris Harris, Jr. and could be one of the better DB prospects in his class. Projected as a nickel corner his first season, he’d totally be worth a second-round pick. Love was a lock-down defender and leader for the Fighting Irish last year.
