After leading the league in trade rumors entering the draft, the Falcons didn’t make a single move. The team was still able to fill needs at cornerback, guard and linebacker, while adding depth to its secondary.
Let’s recap all six of Atlanta’s picks and examine the roles they are likely to play in 2020.
Round 1 (No. 16): CB A.J. Terrell – Florida
Analysis: Terrell was the third corner drafted, but is a great fit for Atlanta’s scheme and fills the team’s desperate need for a starting cornerback. Some analysts felt the pick was a reach, however, the Falcons had no choice due to the position they put themselves in by cutting Desmond Trufant. Terrell is effective in press-man coverage as well as zone. Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris should be able to maximize the abilities of the former Clemson standout.
Let’s take a look at his RAS (relative athletic score), courtesy of Kent Lee Platte, to highlight Terrell’s impressive athleticism:
2019 Stats: 34 tackles (24 solo), 2 interceptions, 3 pass deflections and 0.5 sacks.
Video: Here’s Terrell playing against Notre Dame last season:
Round 2 (No. 47): DL Marlon Davidson – Auburn
Analysis: Marlon Davidson is essentially a defensive tackle with an underrated ability as a situational edge rusher. Still, he will primarily play inside, likely at first relieving — and eventually starting next to — Pro Bowl DT Grady Jarrett. With Dante Fowler Jr. and Takk McKinley as Atlanta’s two speedy edge rushers, Davidson can provide interior pressure as the team’s second defensive tackle. The Falcons also brought back Tyeler Davison, who should continue providing quality reps as the third DT.
Marlon Davidson posted a decent RAS score, but his motor and pass-rush ability are things that you can better see on tape.
2019 Stats: 49 tackles (30 solo), 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recovery
Video: Here’s Davidson going up against LSU last season:
Round 3 (No. 78): OL Matt Hennessy – Temple
Analysis: Hennessy wasn’t the sexy pick, but was a necessary acquisition for the Falcons in the third round. Temple’s versatile interior offensive lineman was considered one of the best in the draft at his position, and can be plugged in at left guard instantly for Atlanta. Last year, the Falcons traded up to select two offensive linemen in he first round. With 2019 free-agent guards James Carpenter and Jamon Brown both failing to solidify the left guard role, the team had no choice but to complete its offensive line rebuild through the draft.
By putting him out there right away next to Alex Mack and Jake Matthews, Hennessy could be in a great position to succeed as a rookie. Take a look at his outstanding RAS:
Video: Here’s Hennessy at center as Temple takes on North Carolina:
Round 4 (No. 119): LB Mykal Walker – Fresno State
Analysis: Walker is a prototypical NFL linebacker in a league that values versatility. He’s fast, strong, explosive and can line up on the edge, or play an off-ball spot depending on the formation the Falcons run. With Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun in place, Walker can be eased in. A guy with as many tools as Walker won’t have trouble finding a role.
His athleticism is also really impressive. Check out his RAS card below where he posted a respectable score of 8.16:
2019 Stats: 96 tackles (56 solo), 9 TFL, 2.5 sacks, 1 forced fumble, 1 fumble recovery, 4 passes defended
Video: Here’s Walker playing against Toledo in 2019:
Round 4 (No. 134): S Jaylinn Hawkins – Cal
Analysis: Hawkins is the only player in this draft without a clear path to start at the moment. Assuming Keanu Neal is back healthy and Ricardo Allen will be in place for another year at least, Hawkins can help in 2020 by bringing depth to the safety position along with Damontae Kazee. The Falcons will at least be in a much better position if the team’s poor injury luck in the secondary continues.
2019 Stats: 53 tackles (41 solo), 2 sacks, 3 INTs, 2 forced fumbles
Video: Hawkins plays well against Washington below:
Round 7 (No. 228): P Sterling Hofrichter – Syracuse
Analysis: Ryan Allen just got put on notice. As Scott emphasized in his breakdown of new Falcons punter Sterling Horfrichter, to take a punter is to expect him to play. Otherwise, there are way too many talented players still available that would trump a need to simply add competition for Allen. Obviously, seventh-round selections rarely work out, so there’s not much use in criticizing this pick. Hofrichter is a low-risk, high-reward option that has a chance to start as a rookie.
2019 Stats: 69 punts, 43.9 yards per punt, 1 extra point made
Video: Check out some highlights of Atlanta’s new punter below:
