The Falcons have quite a few roster spots that they need to fill, but getting an impact player in the first round would be the best use of their draft resources. The big rumor right now is they will trade up with the Lions to No. 8 overall to select Ed Oliver if he’s there.
If that scenario plays out, then they should keep their second-round pick, trading down later to get another pick back. That’s what happened in our latest seven-round mock using Draft Network’s mock draft simulator.
Trade No. 1
The Atlanta Falcons send their first round (No. 14 overall), third round (No. 79 overall) and fourth round (No. 117 overall) picks to the Detroit Lions for their their first round pick (No. 8 overall).
The Falcons giving up their third and fourth round picks to move up into the top 10 seems like a lot. But it’s a perfect trade for both parties. Atlanta can trade up to eight and get Ed Oliver. Detroit trades down six spots, gets one of the guys they really want and picks up two mid-rounders.
Round 1, No. 8 Overall: DT Ed Oliver, Houston
Atlanta bringing in a true play-making defensive tackle like Ed Oliver has been long overdue. Sure, Takkarist McKinley and Vic Beasley need to step up their play, but adding Oliver next to Grady Jarrett on the interior should help them do that more effectively. Oliver is a wrecking ball with an athletic comp that’s very similar to Aaron Donald. If he’s put into the right situation and used in a similar fashion, those comparisons won’t look bad at all.
Trade No. 2
The Atlanta Falcons send their second round (No. 45 overall) pick to the Dallas Cowboys for their their second round (No. 58 overall) and third round (No. 90 overall) picks.
Assuming the Falcons have a clump of players they think will be available at positions of need in round two, they could trade down with the Dallas Cowboys. Dallas will want to make an impact in this draft and at 45 could trade up to get a safety like Nasir Adderley or Deionte Thompson.
Round 2, No. 58 Overall: OT Kaleb McGary, Washington
If the draft falls this way, it would dramatically help the offensive and defensive lines with impact players. Kaleb McGary is a Ryan Schraeder-style right tackle who could come in and start Week 1. Despite concerns about his arm length, McGary should be just fine playing as a true pro tackle. He’d be able to help protect Matt Ryan’s sight side and add more bulk and push in the running game.
Round 3, No. 90 Overall: CB Isaiah Johnson, Houston
When scouting cornerbacks for Dan Quinn’s cover 3 defense, Isaiah Johnson out of Houston really stood out. Johnson has the length, physicality and football IQ to excel in the scheme. More than that, he has an athletic profile that says he could take it to even higher levels when used as a cover 3 cornerback. Johnson has a Richard Sherman-level of potential.
Round 4, No. 137 Overall: WR Mecole Hardman, Georgia
Adding a better returner and a future slot receiver that can blow the top off of the defense would be a smart move. Georgia’s Mecole Hardman could start out in Marvin Hall’s old offensive role and compete at kick returner as a rookie. As time progresses, he could play more of a true slot role where he can burn defenses deep and with his YAC ability.
Round 5, No. 152 Overall: S Sheldrick Redwine, Miami
Adding a true strong safety reserve to the defense in Sheldrick Redwine would help the Falcons prepare for another Keanu Neal injury in the future. Redwine is a solid coverage player, but excels playing in that underneath zone in the cover three. Atlanta could also use him on special teams to help clean up some of the issues on that side of the ball.
Round 5, No. 172 Overall: EDGE Justin Hollins, Oregon
Dan Quinn loves fast and physical defensive players especially off the edge. Justin Hollins is an excellent athlete who can create pressure either standing up or with his hand in the dirt. He has to clean up a lot technically, but the Falcons could be the perfect situation for him. This is another prospect with a ton of special teams potential.
Round 6, No. 186 Overall: RB Mike Weber, Ohio State
After losing Tevin Coleman in free agency, Atlanta needs more help at running back. Mike Weber might be a bit shorter than the normal back that is in the NFL, but in Atlanta, his abilities would be highlighted. Weber would also be a perfect change of pace back, assuming Devonta Freeman is healthy because he can catch out of the backfield and is a home run threat.
Round 7, No. 230 Overall: LB Ulysees Gilbert, Akron
Adding depth to the linebacker corps is another essential in this draft for the Falcons. Ulysees Gilbert is a talented player and plus athlete who could start out as a special teams ace and eventually turn into a potential starting weak-side linebacker. He’s a tackling machine and plays with a ferocity that was missing from the defense when Duke Riley was out there in 2018.
