Free agency was all about offense for the Falcons. Atlanta reinforced its offensive line by signing three new guards, a tight end and a backup running back/kick returner. Given that trend and the team’s needs, it’s likely that the 2019 NFL draft will mostly be focused on the other side of the ball.
This week, the Falcons are meeting with two intriguing defensive prospects. According to a report by Jason Butt at the Athletic, the team is holding a private workout for Houston cornerback Isaiah Johnson later this week. Johnson has all the attributes Dan Quinn wants in his pro cornerbacks.
At the combine, Johnson was measured at 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds with 33-inch arms and 8.75-inch hands. He also showcased some wheels, running a 4.4-second 40 yard dash and clocking a 4.06 short shuttle time.
A converted wide receiver, Johnson is an ideal cover 3 kind of corner who would fit Atlanta’s scheme well playing on the outside. If the Falcons pick him, he would compete with Isaiah Oliver for the spot playing on the opposite side of Desmond Trufant. He’s projected as a fourth-round pick by the Draft Network.
Whoever winds up playing corner for Atlanta in 2019 is going to need more help from the front four, though.
With that in mind, the Falcons are also meeting with Eastern Michigan defensive end prospect Maxx Crosby, according to Ian Rapoport at NFL Network.
Crosby is a bigger specimen than the typical Falcons edge defender. He checks in at 6-foot-5 and 255 pounds.
In 37 college games, Crosby posted 20 sacks, 41 tackles for a loss and eight forced fumbles. He’ll need to add some mass, but he has shown flashes and feels a lot like a sleeper prospect.
