The Falcons have a need for a new starting right tackle after Ryan Schraeder’s play fell off a cliff in the 2018 season. With Dirk Koetter coming back to town, they will need a tackle who can play the full zone blocking scheme but is also effective as a gap-scheme blocker. Currently, the Falcons have Jake Matthews at left tackle signed to a long-term deal. They also have Schraeder under contract through 2021, but he looks like he should be cut or maybe moved to guard. Outside of them, there aren’t any tackles that are locked in stone on the roster.
So, Atlanta should be looking to the NFL draft for a new starter at right tackle and potentially another prospect to play the swing-tackle role. The team could end up taking two. Here’s one name at the position for them to consider in each round.
Round 1: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
Jonah Williams out of Alabama is a perfect fit for Atlanta’s need at right tackle and is very similar to Jake Matthews coming out of college. He can play any spot on the line and be effective and has more than enough requisite strength and athleticism to be successful as a pro. Williams would likely be the starting right tackle in 2019. However, should the Falcons go out and sign a right tackle, he could easily move inside and play either guard position and provide a huge boost there as well.
Round 2: OT Kaleb McGary, Washington
A three-year starter at right tackle, Washington’s Kaleb McGary could be a plug-and-play right tackle for the Falcons. He’s not a great technician at this point. In fact, he needs a lot of work with his technique, but he has everything else. McGary’s punch is powerful and his athleticism is right where it needs to be. His biggest strengths are his leadership and drive. Very few players have the kind of relentless attitude McGary plays with. He’s similar to Tyson Clabo in a lot of ways and that will serve him well.
Round 3: OT Yodny Cajuste, West Virginia
The 6-foot-5, 315-pound ball of nastiness that Cajuste is would add that competitive fire to an offensive line that needs it. Cajuste has trouble blocking against speed at times, but he can manage it with chips or more slide protections. His biggest asset is as a run blocker. When Cajuste can drive downhill and attack defenders at the second-level, he’s even more dangerous because he clears wide open lanes for his running backs to roll through. The Falcons should jump at the chance to draft Cajuste and could either start him at right tackle or right guard for a long time.
Round 4: OT Mitch Hyatt, Clemson
While Mitch Hyatt was a college left tackle, if he’s picked at this point in the draft, he could be a solid swing tackle for the Falcons. He might be able to work his way into the starting lineup as a right tackle or even as a guard depending on the unit’s needs. Hyatt knows the zone schemes the team uses, but has technique issues. He has size, athleticism and power when it comes to pass blocking.
Round 4 (comp): OT Martez Ivey, Florida
Martez Ivey would be a great fit in Chris Morgan’s offensive line scheme. Ivey has the overall ability to succeed in the zone blocking scheme and has enough size to stick at tackle. However, given how disheveled his technique is, the Falcons would be in for a longer-term project than they might like. Ivey should come right in as a depth tackle, but would likely be stuck on the bench on game days as a rookie.
Round 5: OT Isaiah Prince, Ohio State
Isaiah Prince has prototypical speed and size for a pro lineman. At 6-foot-6, 310 pounds, he has the perfect build for an offensive tackle. On film, it’s apparent just how raw he is and it’s almost a red flag. Despite starting three years for the Buckeyes, Prince wouldn’t be able to start for the Falcons right away. In fact, he would need to develop a lot just to make the active roster every week as a swing tackle. Atlanta wouldn’t be wrong to draft him, though.
Round 5 (comp): OT Dennis Daley, South Carolina
Dennis Daley looks pretty polished all-around. There are competition questions despite the film suggesting he should go higher than what his late fifth-round projection says. Daley has plus athleticism on a 6-foot-6, 312-pound frame and would easily slot in at right tackle. He’s an efficient pass blocker with a great anchor against bull rushes despite not having the quickest feet. As a run blocker, he can drive guys back to the second level and plays with the nastiness that Atlanta has been missing.
Round 6: OT Tytus Howard, Alabama State
Tytus Howard is a bit bigger than Ryan Schraeder, but as a former tight end he has the same flexibility Schraeder had when he was coming out of college. Howard could come right in and compete with Matt Gono for a swing tackle role. But the best long-term fit for him would be as at right tackle. Howard would be a depth tackle on game days early on, but he has the potential to be an All-Pro starter.
Round 7: OT Brandon Knight, Indiana
It’s all about upside in the last round and Brandon Knight is the epitome of upside. His athleticism is right where it needs to be for a right tackle and he’s already got a polished technique that would allow him to make an impact early. The questions about Knight will be about his multiple season-ending injuries. He’s closer to Matt Gono at this point than Ryan Schraeder. A long stint on special teams for the former Hoosier could be the best thing to help him learn.
