The Falcons will be adding a new crop of rookies over the weekend through the draft. While they’re expected to pick a defensive lineman or target Ed Oliver in a trade up in round one, there’s always the argument for going with the best player available.
Using the The Draft Network’s mock draft machine, we tried this style out to see just who would make the most sense for Atlanta. Here’s our last mock of the year.
Round 1, No. 14 overall: OT Jonah Williams, Alabama
The Falcons could see Williams as a rare talent who can play any of the five spots on the offensive line at a Pro Bowl level the way we do here. If he is still available at No. 14 overall, Williams would provide more depth at left tackle while immediately starting on the right side in 2019. He’d be an upgrade over what Ryan Schraeder and Ty Sambrailo were and could provide the protection Matt Ryan has needed for years.
Round 2, No. 45 overall: DT Jeffery Simmons, Mississippi State
What’s great about mock drafts this time of year is we have a lot more information. Once seen as a slam dunk first-round prospect, Simmons could fall into the second round due to a knee injury. Simmons wouldn’t have to play in Atlanta right away with the Falcons already having Jack Crawford and Grady Jarrett in nickel and Tyeler Davison and Deadrin Senat in base sets. Simmons could heal up and come in around halfway through the year to make a late season impact up front.
Round 3, No. 79 overall: EDGE Zach Allen, Boston College
Sometimes, players fall for no other reason than a run on another position. That’s what happened with Allen in this scenario, dropping him into the third round. Allen would be able to slide right in as a base strong-side defensive end and has potential first-round value given how Dan Quinn could use him. He’s going to be a steal for some team, so why not Atlanta?
Round 4, No. 117 overall: WR Miles Boykin, Notre Dame
While Boykin is a bit raw at receiver, he was the highest rated player on the board by about 10 spots at this point in the draft. He’s got athleticism comparable to Julio Jones and with No. 11 as his mentor, he could end up being a top receiver in the NFL. In his rookie year, Boykin would compete for backup time and would be a perfect spell option for Jones.
Round 4, No. 137 overall: RB David Montgomery, Iowa State
Running backs tend to fall on draft day and this mock was no exception. The Falcons will be running a ton of inside zone and adding a back with Montgomery’s makeup would help mitigate the loss of Tevin Coleman to the 49ers in free agency. Montgomery could instantly contribute as a pass protector and pass catcher. He’d give Atlanta yet another well-rounded back.
Round 5, No. 152 overall: LB Germaine Pratt, NC State
Depth and competition at linebacker isn’t a huge issue for the Falcons, but adding what is a second-round talent at the position in Pratt here would be very wise. Pratt has all-around skills that could prove valuable to the defense should Deion Jones go down with another injury. Pratt could also turn into a prime special teams player throughout his career.
Round 5, No. 172 overall: S Sheldrick Redwine, Miami
If Redwine got picked by the Falcons as early as the third round, it wouldn’t be shocking at all. That’s how well he fits their scheme and how much he could help the defense. Redwine does everything they need and would be an upgrade over Sharrod Neasman, helping the recently signed J.J. Wilcox backup starters Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal.
Round 6, No. 186 overall: CB Jimmy Moreland, James Madison
This is a deep draft class at cornerback and the Falcons will have a large number of options to address both outside depth and their nickel role. Moreland was a ball hawk at James Madison. He could effectively replace Damontae Kazee in the slot should Kazee need to move back over to safety in the event of another big injury there.
Round 7, No. 230 overall: OL Isaiah Prince, Ohio State
Prince is a mid-round talent who could provide depth behind Jake Matthews and whoever starts at right tackle. He also has the potential to start at guard if something happens to Jamon Brown or James Carpenter. Prince being here in the seventh round is a steal. He’s got the tools to be a great swing tackle and could develop into something more.
