With Julio Jones, Calvin Ridley, Mohamed Sanu, Russell Gage, and Marvin Hall all returning, the Falcons don’t have a massive need for a wide receiver. However, there are a few players that could draw interest in the 2019 NFL draft. Someone who can run routes effectively, create separation and make contested catches in traffic is what they should be looking for.
Atlanta should be looking for a return specialist at receiver who can contribute on special teams while eventually becoming a competent third or fourth wide receiver option. But, if the right player is there earlier in the draft, picking someone to eventually take Sanu’s role would absolutely be the move. Here’s one wide receiver prospect for Atlanta in each round of the draft.
Round 1: WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, Oklahoma
There are literally zero wide receivers the Falcons should be considering at No. 14 overall. That being said, the one guy who could be worth it after trading down is Marquise “Hollywood” Brown out of Oklahoma. He’s a true burner who can line up inside or outside in formations. He also has experience in a verticals-based passing scheme similar to what Dirk Koetter loves to run. The Falcons could instantly put him into a rotation and have four legitimate deep threats.
Round 2: WR Deebo Samuel, South Carolina
Deebo Samuel is a highly-productive wide receiver from the SEC who would compete right away for the return specialist job and could make Sanu more expendable. He’s extremely talented and understands how to find open spots in zones while also providing the speed needed to burn defenses deep. He’s got great hands and a build that will make people think of Roddy White. However, he’s not a solid blocker, and a second-round pick is a big investment for that.
Round 3: WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia
Underutilized would be the best word to describe Mecole Hardman’s time at Georgia. He’s a former 5-star prospect who slid over to the offensive side of the ball once he made it to the college level. Hardman was primarily used as a return specialist and third wide receiver for the Bulldogs, and his role wouldn’t change much for Atlanta. He has insane speed, great vision and good enough route running – for now. Hardman has a lot in common with former Panthers great Steve Smith and would fit in well in Atlanta.
Round 4: WR Hunter Renfrow, Clemson
Whenever DeShaun Watson, Kelly Bryant or Trevor Lawrence needed that reliable third-down option to be open, it was often Hunter Renfrow who was found sitting in the soft spot of the zone or running a crosser to beat his man for an open catch. The Falcons could use someone like him to destroy slot defenders in the long term. In 2019, Renfrow could play Justin Hardy’s old role, then later slide into the primary slot role similar to how Adam Humphries did in Tampa Bay. Having a reliable slot option like Renfrow could really help open up the offense for Matt Ryan.
Round 5: WR Penny Hart, Georgia State
Penny Hart was the bell of the ball at the Senior Bowl, where he showcased his talents in practices beating some of the best corners from college football. His 2018 performance suggests he’s a legitimate return specialist option who could eventually grow into a solid depth wide receiver. In Atlanta, he’d be selected to compete for a starting returner role, special teams gunner role and depth receiver.
Round 6: WR Tyre Brady, Marshall
While the majority of the players on this list are standard slot-options with return ability, Tyre Brady is different. Brady is a quality all-around receiver who primarily plays on the outside. He’s a 6-foot-3, 205-pound play-maker who can go over the middle and make catches on crucial third downs. His ability to play a role similar to Justin Hardy would be useful. He also has a ton of special teams ability that would allow the Falcons to improve their gunner roles.
Round 7: WR Jalen Hurd, Baylor
The Falcons could always use another larger wide receiver to assist in the red zone. Jalen Hurd out of Baylor could be the best fit for a long-term replacement for Mohamed Sanu. He’s a 6-foot-4, 220-pound freak athlete with experience at both running back and wide receiver. In 2018, he caught 69 passes for 904 yards and four touchdowns despite missing the bowl game against Vanderbilt. While he was a running back at Tennessee, he would average 1,000 yards rushing while also showing some solid receiving ability out of the backfield.
