The Falcons’ focus in the 2019 NFL draft should be up front on both lines. Atlanta has a talented roster roster and improving the lines will go a long way towards getting them back to the playoffs.
Free agency is still an outside option, but without much cap room to sapre, Atlanta should look to fix the lines in the draft. In our new seven-round post-combine mock, the first four picks go towards offensive and defensive line prospects. Here’s how the mock played out.
Round 1, No. 14 overall: OL Garrett Bradbury, NC State
Assuming Ed Oliver and Quinnen Williams are off the board, the Falcons should look for interior offensive linemen first. The best one in this draft class is Garrett Bradbury out of North Carolina State. The 6-foot-3, 306-pound college center should fit Atlanta’s offensive line schematically. Early on, he could compete for the starting role at either guard spot. Once Alex Mack retires, he could easily slide back inside to center for the long run.
Round 2, No. 45 overall: DT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
The Falcons need a new starting defensive tackle to pair with Grady Jarrett. Adding a player in the same mold as Dontari Poe is the right idea. Dexter Lawrence is a great fit for the role as he can eat blocks on the inside easily. His 5.05 second 40-yard dash at 6-foot-5, 342 pounds was extremely impressive and will enhance his value for a team looking for a big guy that can move that quickly.
Round 3, No. 79 overall: OT David Edwards, Wisconsin
Wisconsin wouldn’t be a bad place to look to address the team’s offensive line needs. They commonly have five pro-ready offensive linemen starting and this year was no different. One of them is David Edwards. A three-year starter at right tackle, Edwards is very similar to Ryan Schraeder early in his career. He’s a quick-footed lineman who handles speed well and could start at right tackle right away.
Round 4, No. 117 overall: EDGE Ben Banogu, Texas Christian
Vic Beasley, Takkarist McKinley and Stephen Means all have their own attributes, but adding some more explosiveness off the edge is needed. Ben Banogu out of Texas Christian was a highly productive pass rusher for the Horned Frogs, but his fit as a LEO in Atlanta’s scheme makes him worthy of the pick here. Banogu’s got a great first step, but he works himself out of plays at times.
Round 4, No. 137 overall: CB Isaiah Johnson, Houston
Isaiah Johnson would be a perfect long-term fit with Isaiah Oliver on the outside. Bringing in Johnson offers more options for nickel sets and the ability to play either Damontae Kazee or Desmond Trufant in the slot. Johnson also could be an ideal fit as a big-slot stopper. Both his man and zone coverage abilities will be assets, but his tackling and physicality don’t suggest someone who’s ready to start.
Round 5, No. 152 overall: RB Trayveon Williams, Texas A&M
The Falcons should consider another Devonta Freeman clone in Trayveon Williams out of Texas A&M. He’s an ideal zone runner who can make one cut and go. Williams has a lower center of gravity to power through tacklers, as well. He isn’t a horrible pass blocker and he’s willing, but the Falcons could use some time to improve his technique.
Round 5, No. 172 overall: WR David Sills, West Virginia
The Falcons don’t need much help at wide receiver, but David Sills out of West Virginia is worth taking a fifth-round flyer on. His combination of size and speed lends to the idea that he could be a sneaky deep threat. If Atlanta wants to move on from Marvin Hall, that could be a plus. Sills is also a solid blocker and should be a huge asset in the screen and running games.
Round 6, No. 186 overall: S Will Harris, Boston College
The Falcons could use more safety depth after 2018 showed how weak their current depth is. Boston College’s Will Harris is about as raw as they come, but as an athlete he’s everything Dan Quinn wants from his starting safeties. He played more of a free safety role in college, but in Atlanta he could play either spot.
Round 7, No. 230 overall: LB Tre Lamar, Clemson
Bruce Carter and Duke Riley are the projected backups for Deion Jones and Foye Oluokun. Bringing in someone who is a pure strong-side linebacker to backup De’Vondre Campbell is where the Falcons should go with this pick. Tre Lamar isn’t going to light the world on fire. However, he is a solid all-around football player with the necessary athleticism and size for the role he would play.
