Falcons linebacker De’Vondre Campbell led the team in tackles in 2019, his fourth season in the league. As a former fourth-round pick, he’s set to finally cash in on his outstanding production, just not likely in Atlanta.
Head coach Dan Quinn would certainly like to keep Campbell, but the team’s top-heavy roster has caused salary cap constraints that make his return unlikely.
Here are seven linebacker options for the Falcons in the 2020 draft.
Kenneth Murray — Oklahoma
2019 Stats: 102 tackles (69 solo), 4 sacks, 4 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Analysis: Murray stands out on film and his performance at the combine showed he has elite speed for the position (4.52 40-yard dash time). He’s the perfect modern linebacker that can play inside or outside, and would give the Falcons another athletic talent to pair with Deion Jones. Dan Quinn loves speed on defense and while Murray’s overall game needs refinement, his effort level and aggressiveness make him an ideal fit for Atlanta. Although, the team would likely need to target him in round one.
Video: Watch Murray (No. 9) flying to the ball against Texas Tech below.
Troy Dye — Oregon
2019 Stats: 84 tackles (52 solo), 2.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles, 2 INTs, 4 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 2-4
Analysis: Dye isn’t quite the prospect that Murray is, but as a late-second or third-round pick, he has the kind of play-making ability that can help the Falcons’ pass coverage. His toughness won’t come into question and like Murray, Dye could give Atlanta another versatile linebacker capable of playing next to Jones. While he’s less experienced in an outside role, Dye has the size and coverage ability to match up with opposing tight ends.
Video: Here’s Dye (No. 35) playing vs. Utah in the Pac-12 Championship.
Patrick Queen — LSU
2019 Stats: 85 tackles (37 solo), 3 sacks, 1 fumble recovery, 1 INT, 2 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 1-2
Analysis: Queen definitely helped his stock at the scouting combine by running a blazing 40-yard dash. He would be a steal for the Falcons in the second round, although he’s unlikely to make it out of the first. Queen’s LSU teammate K’Lavon Chaisson is more of a true EDGE, but with De’Vondre Campbell possibly leaving Atlanta, there is a need for an outside linebacker. Queen has sideline-to-sideline speed, an ability to drop in coverage and projects to be a three-down starter in the NFL.
Video: Check out Queen (No. 8) going up against Texas below.
Joe Bachie — Michigan State
2019 Stats: 72 tackles (37 solo), 3.5 sacks, 1 INT, 4 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 3-5
Analysis: If Atlanta chooses to wait until the middle rounds to add another linebacker, the team could target productive Michigan State standout Joe Bachie. Playing under defensive wizard Mark Dantonio, Bachie started for three seasons for the Spartans, recording 274 total tackles, eight sacks, five interceptions and four forced fumbles since 2017. He’s a seasoned prospect that’s quicker than he looks.
Video: Watch Bachie (No. 35) playing vs. Arizona State.
Akeem Davis-Gaither — Appalachian State
2019 Stats: 101 tackles (49 solo), 5 sacks, 1 INT, 8 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 4-6
Analysis: Davis-Gaither is a wildly productive linebacker out of little Appalachian State. With good size, production and versatility to drop in coverage (8 passes defended in 2019), he’s a possible day-three pick with loads of untapped potential. Davis-Gaither would be able to contribute on special teams right away and Atlanta could ease him into the picture as a situational backup to Deion Jones and Foye Olukoun.
Video: Here’s Davis-Gaither (No. 24) playing against South Alabama.
Jordan Mack — Virginia
2019 Stats: 69 tackles (36 solo), 7.5 sacks, 2 forced fumbles
Projection: Rounds 4-6
Analysis: Mack doesn’t have the sizzle of some of other linebacker prospects in this draft. However, he’s a productive four-year starter that has good speed and tackling ability. The Falcons could target Mack as a special teams contributor and situational linebacker. He’s more of a developmental pick, but on day three, he’s certainly worth a closer look since Atlanta doesn’t much depth at the linebacker position outside of Jones and Oluokun.
Video: Mack (No. 8) playing OLB against Virginia Tech.
De’Jon Harris — Arkansas
2019 Stats: 101 tackles (52 solo), 1 sack, 2 forced fumbles, 2 fumble recoveries, 2 passes defended
Projection: Rounds 4-6
Analysis: De’Jon Harris is a tackling machine that plays with a fearlessness and physicality that Falcons coach Dan Quinn could fall in love with. He’s short with a thick frame but moves well enough (4.7 40-yard dash at the combine). Totaling over 100 tackles, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries in 2019, Harris could be a late-round gem that develops into a starter down the line.
Video: Here’s Harris (No. 8) facing off against Mississippi.
