Ed Oliver has been getting mocked to the Falcons at No. 14 throughout this draft season by Mel Kiper and nearly everybody else. In the NFL draft just as in life things don’t always work out the way you planned, though. Given the numbers that Oliver just posted at his Pro Day (he matched DeSean Jackson’s short shuttle time for one), it’s increasingly likely that he will not be available after the top 10 picks.
Our latest 2019 seven-round mock draft has that scenario playing out with Buffalo picking Oliver at No. 9. Assuming they don’t try to trade up to get him, here’s how the Falcons could adjust.
Round 1 pick 14: Clemson DT Christian Wilkins
Oliver is the obvious golden boy for interior defender choices, but Wilkins is not a bad consolation prize by any means. Wilkins (6-foot-4, 300 pounds) was disruptive enough to post 16 sacks and 40.5 tackles for a loss during his college career. He also tallied an impressive 15 pass breakups, including nine his sophomore year. Wilkins certainly had plenty of help as part of a loaded Clemson defensive line. However, his talents should translate well to the NFL level.
Round 2 pick 45: West Virginia OT Yodny Cajuste
The Falcons say that Ty Sambrailo is going to start at right tackle in place of Ryan Schraeder, who’s been designated a June 1 cut. While he did well enough at the spot in a few games last season, the team could do better. Picking a prospect like Cajuste (6-foot-5, 321 pounds) early on would give them far more depth at offensive tackle and allow Sambrailo to serve as a backup. Cajuste has the ability to play several spots, but his power would be best put to use at tackle.
Round 3 pick 79: Vanderbilt CB Joejuan Williams
Coming from Pete Carroll in Seattle, we know Falcons coach Dan Quinn loves his long cornerbacks. Williams (6-foot-4, 211 pounds) is about as long as they come. His 32.5 inch arms and 9.75 inch hands play no small part in Williams’ ball skills. In 2018, he posted four interceptions and had 25 pass breakups total in college. Last year’s second-round pick Isaiah Oliver appears to be first in line to start outside opposite Desmond Trufant. If he fails, Williams could be just the guy to step in.
Round 4 pick 117: Alabama RB Damien Harris
Finding gems at the running back position in the middle rounds has become a staple of general manager Thomas Dimitroff’s draft prowess. Tevin Coleman, Devonta Freeman and Ito Smith were all taken in the third or fourth round. After losing Coleman to the 49ers, the Falcons could use another body in the backfield. Harris (5-foot-10, 216 pounds) has the same kind of build as Freeman and could be useful if he gets injured again.
Round 4 pick 137: Georgia TE Isaac Nauta
The tight end spot may be secure already with free agent pickup Luke Stocker joining last year’s trio of Austin Hooper, Eric Saubert and Logan Paulsen. This is a very deep draft class at the position though and it’s clear Atlanta wants to upgrade this spot in a major way. Nauta (6-foot-4, 240 pounds) could push Saubert for his spot behind Hooper on the depth chart.
Round 5 pick 152: Northern Illinois EDGE Sutton Smith
The fifth round might be a little late to address the problem on the edge, but sometimes that’s the way the board plays out. Quinn loves quick, undersized linemen as much as long corners, and Smith fits the bill. At just 6-foot-1 and 237 pounds, there’s a legitimate question if he’s too small to play edge in the pros. However, Smith’s production over the last two years is worth taking a gamble on. He totaled 29 sacks, 56.5 tackles for a loss, forced seven fumbles and scored three touchdowns.
Round 5 pick 172: Boston College S Will Harris
Safety depth should be a priority for Atlanta in this draft class, especially with Damontae Kazee projected to move over and replace Brian Poole at slot cornerback. Harris (6-foot-2, 210 pounds), can help Sharrod Neasman backup starters Ricardo Allen and Keanu Neal. A native of Suwanee, Harris ran a 4.41 40-yard dash and a 4.12 short shuttle at the combine.
Round 6 pick 186: Texas LB Gary Johnson
Linebacker depth is another area that got exposed last season thanks to the injury to Deion Jones. The Falcons have a solid starting trio with Jones, De’Vondre Campbell and Foye Oluokun. There’s not much to like behind them, though. Johnson (six-foot, 226 pounds) had a breakout senior year for Texas, putting up 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for a loss. He would compete with Duke Riley for playing time.
Round 7 pick 230: Maryland EDGE Byron Cowart
Waiting until Day 3 to address defensive end might cause a riot in Atlanta, but in this scenario the Falcons make up for it by double dipping. With their last pick, they take Coward (6-foot-4, 293 pounds). He didn’t see much playing time with Auburn but after transferring to Maryland he started showing some real potential. Cowart could round out the edge rotation with Stephen Means.
