The Atlanta Falcons are 1-5 and have quite a few problems on their defense that need to be addressed in the upcoming draft. It’s not just the defense that needs an upgrade, though. Due to some depth issues and contract situations on offense, there could be some additional needs in the future—specifically at running back, wide receiver and on the offensive line.
The running back issues should be settled with Qadree Ollison, Ito Smith and Brian Hill, should the Falcons cut Devonta Freeman. On the offensive line, left guard could stand an upgrade, and at wide receiver, the Falcons have a depth question with Mohamed Sanu entering the final year of his deal.
Round 1: S Grant Delpit, Louisiana State
The Falcons are currently slated to have pick No. 4 in the first round. With that selection, they need to go with the best defensive play-maker on the board. In this simulation on The Draft Network’s tool, edge defender Chase Young was taken before the Falcons’ selection. So the best defensive play-maker available here is Grant Delpit out of LSU.
Delpit is a rangy safety who can play both free and strong spots, along with the ability to play the nickel and some outside corner. He’s the best safety prospect since Chargers safety Derwin James. He can cover deep effectively, as well as playing both the run and the blitz well. The only real issue Delpit has in his game is that his tackling technique lapses at times. He would start at free safety in Atlanta, forcing Ricardo Allen to more of a nickel role or potentially even off the roster.
Round 2: DL Raekwon Davis, Alabama
In terms of raw talent, the Falcons adding more defensive tackles to the roster makes sense. They have Grady Jarrett locked up long-term, but outside of him, only John Cominsky, Allen Bailey and Deadrin Senat are under contract. The team needs someone who can make an impact outside of Jarrett. Atlanta truly needs a complementary tackle to pair alongside of him.
Raekwon Davis has the tools to be that guy. He also has experience in one of the more diverse NFL-caliber defenses in college football. The problem with Davis is that while he shows flashes at college level, he hasn’t been as consistent as you’d like. At the pro level, the Falcons could be the ideal team and situation for Davis to reach his true potential, though.
Round 3: EDGE Terrell Lewis, Alabama
Pass rush still is an issue for the Falcons. They only have five sacks through six games, despite investing multiple first-round picks into edge defenders like Vic Beasley and Takkarist McKinley. Neither guy has turned into the premiere pass rusher that the team needed them to become. Atlanta shouldn’t look into re-signing Beasley based on his play, which would create a bigger need in the offseason.
With a new head coach likely, the Falcons will need to get a better pass-rushing threat for their defense in 2020. Terrell Lewis has all the tools to be a great one in the NFL — from his size, speed and strength combination to his intelligence. The biggest issue he has comes from his technique, but with a pass-rushing coach, Lewis has the potential to be that premiere edge guy down the line for Atlanta.
Round 4: OL Calvin Throckmorton, Oregon
Getting back right guard Chris Lindstrom to pair with the young and improving Kaleb McGary and Pro Bowlers Jake Matthews and Alex Mack should help the line. Still, left guard is an issue based on James Carpenter’s play thus far. Jamon Brown could be a solid stop-gap, but the Falcons still need to address the position with someone who has more upside.
Calvin Throckmorton is a left tackle for the University of Oregon who projects better as a guard at the pro level. The left side would seem to be his best fit for continuity, making him the perfect left guard prospect for Atlanta. Throckmorton’s pass blocking would be a massive improvement for the team as well.
Round 5: LB Justin Strnad, Wake Forest
The Falcons don’t have a ton of depth at linebacker, and bringing in someone like Justin Strnad who has great speed and coverage instincts would be a wise move. Strnad is also excellent on special teams and could be a great fit to help the Falcons improve that unit. He’s a smart player, but his weaknesses come from his lack of size and strength.
Round 7: WR Antonio Gandy-Golden, Liberty
Should the Falcons decide to let Mohamed Sanu go, they will need another large target to help the intermediate passing game. Antonio Gandy-Golden is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound target who should fit in well with the Falcons size and speed-wise. His biggest issues are route running and separation creation — things that could be improved on with a little guidance from an all-time great like Julio Jones.
