Since draft week is finally upon us, here is my final shot at predicting what the Falcons may do this year. Remember, it’s just a mock draft and there are still a ton of possibilities.
Basing the selections on pre-draft visits, schematic fit and team need, here are the six players I think Atlanta will target in the 2020 NFL Draft.
Round 1, Pick 16: CB A.J. Terrell, Clemson
The Falcons released starting cornerback Desmond Trufant at the start of free agency and as Vaughn McClure alluded to, the team is looking for his replacement. This class is seemingly front-loaded with starting talent and the Falcons may have to settle for their CB1 at pick 16 before a run on the position occurs. Clemson’s A.J. Terrell fits everything the team looks for in a cornerback, but just falls slightly short of their arm length requirement. Terrell spent 53 percent of his snaps in press coverage during the 2019 season which should catch the eyes of Raheem Morris and Dan Quinn, who are huge believers in the alignment.
In terms of body type, Terrell is slender and fast, which is historically what Atlanta has praised in its outside corners. He’s 6-foot-1, 195 pounds, with 4.42 speed, man coverage ability, blitz ability, ball-hawk ability and the ability to lead a secondary. This should make Terrell very high on the Falcons’ draft board.
Round 2, Pick 47: IOL Nick Harris, Washington
The Falcons have expressed lots of interest in Harris thus far, and it’s not really surprising. He came from the same offense as Kaleb McGary, who the Falcons traded up for just a year ago. Atlanta needs a starting center for the 2021 season, and the team should think logically by drafting a guy to sit behind Alex Mack and stop gap at left guard for the 2020 season. Teams around the league seem to be quite high on Harris, which makes him a very likely option at pick No. 47.
Round 3, Pick 78: LB Logan Wilson, Wyoming
The Falcons lost starting strongside linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in free agency, and seem to have been putting an importance on day-2 linebackers in the class. Campbell was an essential piece of the Atlanta’s defense and was tasked with coverage duties and hash-to-hash zone coverages. Here, you add Logan Wilson who could occupy the same role that Campbell thrived in. Wilson’s a rangy guy with good production that could fill his gap in the run game and effectively drop into zone coverages. If you think back to the 2019 draft, Atlanta tried trading up for Devin Bush and Quincy Williams, so the team clearly puts a high price on that LB2 role.
Round 4, Pick 119: RB Darrynton Evans, Appalachian State
The Falcons released Devonta Freeman earlier in the offseason and shortly replaced him with Todd Gurley. However, I don’t believe that rules out another addition to the backfield. Gurley should see around 20 touches, but the team will likely look to a rotation. Atlanta was at its best with Freeman and Tevin Coleman splitting carries in the backfield, and Thomas Dimitroff commented on how the 49ers’ loaded backfield was the stem of their success. Not only does Evans fit the inside gap type scheme the Falcons like to run, but the team virtually met with Evans twice. It’s certainly possible the Falcons try to replicate the Los Angeles Rams’ 2019 backfield, which is where Gurley saw most of his success.
Round 4, Pick 134: DT Leki Fotu, Utah
Atlanta has been doing its due diligence on mid-round defensive tackles, and the amount of times Thomas Dimitroff has visited Utah tells me that Leki Fotu may be the target. Fotu draws shocking similarities to former Falcons lineman Dontari Poe, who excelled in Dan Quinn’s scheme. He’s a massive human being, but has impressive burst off the snap and gap penetration ability. With the team’s rumored interest in Dexter Lawrence in 2019, Atlanta may be able to get a guy similar to him in Fotu who can provide substantial interior pressure alongside Grady Jarrett.
Round 7, Pick 228: OT Jon Runyan, Michigan
Runyan has favorable guard/tackle versatility but would likely be drafted as a swing tackle for the Falcons. The team let Ty Sambrailo hit the market, and the swing tackle seems to be an important position for the Atlanta. Here in the seventh, the Falcons add their swing tackle who has the ability to kick in at guard if need be. Runyan is a high-IQ offensive tackle who has quick feet, making him a fit for what the team likes to do with its tackles. Plus, Atlanta has met with Runyan twice.
