The Falcons will need to use the 2019 NFL draft to supplement an already solid roster. The Scouting Combine will give us a good idea of who fits their athleticism guidelines. Atlanta has nine picks – pending a murky situation with a potential seventh-rounder that could go to either Atlanta or New England from the Jordan Richards trade.
The combine drills will help the Falcons figure out who really fits their roster. Using a guideline with great 3-cone times for agility, high broad and vertical jump scores for explosiveness and fast 10-yard splits on the 40 for that initial burst and 40-yard scores for long speed are all important.
In our latest mock draft, there are some players who should stand out at the combine that also fit the team’s needs in 2019 and beyond.
Round 1, No. 14 overall: DL Ed Oliver, Houston
If Ed Oliver is still on the board at No. 14, the Falcons need to sprint to the podium. While he’ll remind a lot of people of Aaron Donald, he’s probably closer to more of a Rod Coleman-type and that’s fine. Pairing Oliver and Grady Jarrett is a dream situation for any defensive line coach. Oliver will also develop as a pass rusher once he starts working with Bryant Young on hand technique and developing a plan. Athletically, Oliver might be the most unique prospect in his class.
Round 2, No. 45 overall: OT David Edwards, Wisconsin
David Edwards out of Wisconsin started 31 of his 37 games playing at right tackle, including all of his sophomore and junior seasons sans a couple of games for injury. Edwards earned All-American and All-Conference honors and has a profile similar to a young Ryan Schraeder. He’s a former tight end whose movement skills show up readily on film. Edwards would instantly come in and compete for the starting right tackle role in Atlanta.
Round 3, No. 79 overall: DT Jerry Tillery, Notre Dame
Taking two defensive tackles may seem a bit wonky at first. However, if Tillery is there, he would be too good to pass up. His combination of value, scheme fit and pro comparisons to Stephon Tuitt is well-worth a third-rounder. Combining Tillery with Oliver, Grady Jarrett and Deadrin Senat would vastly improve the interior rotation. Tillery is built a lot like Tuitt but with a taller, 6-foot-6, 310-pound frame. His ability to play in the 1-technique and 3-technique would give Atlanta more options against the run.
Round 4, No. 117 overall: RB Damien Harris, Alabama
Damien Harris played in a similar role to Devonta Freeman in college and could fit in well in Atlanta. Harris showed both exceptional vision and unwavering balance at Alabama. The issues that will likely drop him are things that also dropped Freeman and Ito Smith. He’s not the fastest, biggest, strongest or quickest running back. However, he’s quite versatile and might be the smartest back in this draft class.
Round 4, No. 137 overall: EDGE L.J. Collier, Texas Christian
Atlanta has been missing a reliable base end ever since Tyson Jackson was cut after Super Bowl LI. They need to fix that by sliding Jack Crawford back over to that role and providing him with some competition. L.J. Collier could be that competitor. Collier is a solid-enough pass rusher with potential to be a powerful bull rusher in the NFL. More than that, he’s a stout run defender. His 6-foot-4, 276-pound frame and long arms make him ideally suited to play the role.
Round 5, No. 152 overall: OL Isaiah Prince, Ohio State
With the selection of Isaiah Prince here, the Falcons could have a wide open competition at both guard spots and right tackle including Prince, the previously-selected David Edwards, Ty Sambrailo, Ryan Schraeder, Brandon Fusco and Wes Schweitzer. Prince was a right tackle in college and could compete at both right tackle or either guard spot. If they pick him, Atlanta will at least get an upgrade in size, speed and nastiness over Fusco.
Round 5, No. 172 overall: LB Ulysees Gilbert, Akron
Ulysees Gilbert is the prototypical raw Dan Quinn project and could contribute right away on special teams. He’s a faster, rangier linebacker who understands angles in the run game, but needs to improve his zone coverage. As a pass rusher, he won’t provide much value, but the Falcons defense rarely blitzes with Quinn calling the plays. As a rookie, Gilbert would mostly see the field as a core-four special teams player.
Round 6, No. 186 overall: CB Mark Fields, Clemson
After letting Brian Poole walk in free agency, the Falcons should be on the lookout for the next version of him. Mark Fields was the top corner for Clemson, but he showed talent in the slot early in his career at Death Valley. Fields is a bit faster and better in coverage than Poole, but his limitations come in when he’s trying to make big plays. On special teams, he’s shown a propensity to be in the right place at the right time as a gunner.
Round 7, No. 230 overall: S Mark McLaurin, Mississippi State
Keanu Neal going down Week 1 killed the Falcons defense before it was even able to get its footing. Playing without their tone setter really hurt Atlanta’s ability to defend against the run and cover intermediate routes by tight ends and slot receivers. Adding someone who can backup Neal this offseason is essential and Mark McLaurin is definitely capable of being that guy. He likely would do well in Neal’s role because his coverage instincts are solid enough and he brings the same ferocity as a run stopper.
