The Falcons defensive line needs some serious reinforcements if the team is going to get back to the playoffs in 2019. Atlanta’s front four was clearly missing Dontari Poe and Adrian Clayborn this past season, who both left the team in free agency.
If Dan Quinn wants to restock his defensive line, he might want to start with the National Champions. Clemson has produced some superb pro defensive linemen in recent years, and they have a couple of excellent young prospects that have declared for the 2019 NFL draft. In a new four-round mock by Luke Easterling at Draft Wire, he has Atlanta picking Clemson’s Christian Wilkins with the No. 14 overall pick.
There’s some solid young talent along this defensive front, but the Falcons could still use a difference-maker to anchor the interior and improve the rotation. Wilkins is one of the most impressive athletes in this draft, with explosiveness to be a disruptive force at the next level.
Wilkins (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) could be the answer the team has been looking for to pair with Grady Jarrett inside for years to come. He posted 16 sacks and 40.5 tackles for a loss in 55 games for the Tigers.
Here’s a look at Wilkins’ tape.
Wilkins vs. Alabama
Wilkins vs. Texas A&M
Wilkins vs. Boston College
If he’s still there at 14, it may be tough for Atlanta to pass on him.
