The Falcons have their work cut out for them this offseason with potentially three starters leaving in free agency. Linebacker De’Vondre Campbell and tight end Austin Hooper could be too pricey for Atlanta to bring back, plus the team has already said it will not retain defensive end Vic Beasley.
We’ve looked at some different options for the Falcons at pick No. 16, so today we will examine seven players they could target with their two second-round picks in the 2020 draft.
Zack Moss, RB, Utah
Daniel Dunn-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 235 rushes, 1,416 yards, 15 TDs; 28 catches, 388 yards, 2 TDs
Analysis: Utah’s Zack Moss is rising up draft boards, even drawing comparisons to Marshawn Lynch. He’s a ferocious runner that has good vision and is tough to bring down. Moss had a wildly productive 2019 season, averaging 6.0 yards per carry and scoring 17 total touchdowns. If Atlanta releases Devonta Freeman, Moss would be a good option if he’s available in the second.
Video: Moss (No. 2) rushes for 131 yards against Oregon below:
Tyler Biadasz, IOL, Wisconsin
USA TODAY SportsAnalysis: The Falcons may have invested a ton in their offensive line last offseason, but the team swung and missed on free agents James Carpenter and Jamon Brown. Wisconsin’s Tyler Biadasz played center, but could compete for the left guard job in 2020, while providing a potential replacement for Alex Mack down the line. He’s a tough, smart, physical lineman that has NFL starter written all over him.
Video: Here’s Biadasz (No. 61) playing center against Iowa below:
Hunter Bryant, TE, Washington
Jennifer Buchanan-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 52 catches, 825 yards, 3 TDs
Analysis: Austin Hooper’s return is not out of the question, but the Falcons need to be ready to draft a replacement in case they can’t afford the $11 million per year that Hooper is likely to cost. Washington’s Hunter Bryant is just 6-foot-2, but is built like a brick house. He’s got good speed and an ability to break tackles if you can get him in space. Say Hooper does return to Atlanta, it still wouldn’t be a bad idea to add another tight end since Dirk Koetter is sticking around as offensive coordinator.
Video: This is Bryant (No. 1) playing against Arizona last season:
J.K. Dobbins, RB, Ohio State
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 301 rushes, 2,003 yards, 24 TDs; 23 catches, 247 yards, 2 TDs
Analysis: Dobbins has the most sizzle of any running back in this draft outside of Georgia’s D’Andre Swift. His video game numbers are partially the result of a great college scheme, but Dobbins is without a doubt a game-breaking talent. Atlanta may not be a great run-blocking team, but should improve as Kaleb McGary and Chris Lindstrom get more experience. Adding an explosive, versatile back like Dobbins could help speed up that process and get the Falcons’ ground game back on track.
Video: Here’s Dobbins (No. 2) rushing for 177 yard against Nebraska:
Lloyd Cushenberry III, C, LSU
Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY SportsAnalysis: Cushenberry is another interior offensive lineman that could help Atlanta in the short and long term. He played well at the Senior Bowl and started for the National Champion LSU Tigers in 2019. Don’t assume quarterback Joe Burrow, the likely first-overall pick, would have had such an all-time great season without a pretty good center in front of him. Cushenberry was ranked at No. 49 on Luke Easterling of Draft Wire’s top 150 prospects list.
Video: Check out Cushenberry (No. 79) playing center against Alabama:
Curtis Weaver, DE, Boise State
Brian Losness-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 52 tackles (35 solo), 13.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 INT, 3 passes defended
Analysis: Landing Boise State EDGE Curtis Weaver in the second round would be an ideal fit and great value for Atlanta. With 13.5 sacks in 2019, Weaver is one of several productive pass rushers in this draft that could go anywhere from the late-first to the late-second round. We know the Falcons must find a replacement for Vic Beasley, and without much cap space, it needs to happen in the draft. Weaver could be a better option than reaching in the first round if the top EDGE prospects are gone by pick No. 16.
Video: Watch Weaver (No. 99) play against Florida State:
Malik Harrison, LB, Ohio State
Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports2019 Stats: 75 tackles (49 solo), 4.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries, 4 passes defended
Analysis: With De’Vondre Campbell possibly on the way out, many seem to be overlooking the Falcons’ need at linebacker. Deion Jones is a great player, but he needs some help. Ohio State’s Malik Harrison could be the exact piece this defense needs. He’s better in coverage and more versatile than Campbell, which would take pressure off of Jones in the middle.
Video: Here’s Harrison (No 39) playing against Clemson:
