When the Falcons signed guards Jamon Brown and James Carpenter in free agency on top of tight end Luke Stocker, they showed that they were looking for a certain type of player for their offense. Someone nasty, physical and a bit of a bully as a blocker. On defense, however, the only move they have made is franchising Grady Jarrett.
When the 2019 NFL draft comes around, they should focus on the defensive line, one of the deepest position groups in this class. In our latest mock using Draft Network’s Mock Draft Machine, Atlanta takes advantage to beef up the in the trenches, using three of the first four picks on DL prospects.
Round 1: No. 14 Overall: DL Ed Oliver, Houston
Atlanta’s biggest need is still defensive tackle. If Ed Oliver is there at No. 14, the Falcons should sprint to the podium to get him. Oliver is one of the best athletes to ever come out of college at defensive tackle, and Aaron Donald comparisons aren’t out of line—at least athletic ones. Atlanta could bring him in, bulk him up a bit (about 10-15 pounds) and have a top duo at DT.
Round 2: No. 47 Overall: NT Dexter Lawrence, Clemson
Another thing the Falcons could use is more size for the defensive line to defend the run. With Ed Oliver and Grady Jarrett paired on nickel downs, the Falcons should add Dexter Lawrence in the second round to pair with Deadrin Senat on base downs. He’s very comparable to Dontari Poe and when the Falcons had Poe in 2017, they had their best defense in a decade.
Round 3: No. 79 Overall: WR/RS MeCole Hardman, Georgia
The Falcons look to be letting Justin Hardy and Marvin Hall walk this offseason. That’s where Mecole Hardman comes in. The former 5-star prospect from the University of Georgia would be an ideal fit as a return specialist to compete with Kenjon Barner in the punt and kick returner roles. He also would also add to the passing offense in a similar way that Calvin Ridley did in 2018 with his raw speed and deep threat ability.
Round 4: No. 117 Overall: EDGE Justin Hollins, Oregon
Justin Hollins out of Oregon has film that suggests that he should be a mid-round prospect because of his technical deficiencies as well as his inability to shed blocks in the running game. However, his 6-foot-5, 248-pound frame and 40-yard dash time (4.51 seconds) suggests that he has a much higher ceiling. Bringing him in to split time with Jack Crawford, Takk McKinley and Vic Beasley on the edge would keep the rotation fresh.
Round 4: No. 137 Overall: CB Michael Jackson, Miami
Michael Jackson out of Miami is a physical corner who has the speed to recover from any mistakes. His bulk and long arms are unique and will allow him to fit in seamlessly as an outside corner in the Falcons cover-3 system that Dan Quinn runs. He’s better in zone than in man coverage. Adding him will allow the Falcons to use Desmond Trufant in the slot at times as put the best overall group on the field.
Round 5: No. 152 Overall: S Sheldrick Redwine, Miami
Sheldrick Redwine out of Miami is an exceptional athlete for his size at safety and would be an instant upgrade over Sharrod Neasman as Keanu Neal’s primary backup at strong safety. His coverage abilities are a bit raw, but he’s not afraid to get dirty and hit someone. Adding Redwine would definitely bring some extra safety depth with Damontae Kazee projected to move over to nickel cornerback.
Round 5: No. 172 Overall: RB Jordan Scarlett, Florida
If the Falcons elect to carry four running backs on the roster as Dirk Koetter has historically preferred, then they may add another in the draft even after signing Kenjon Barner. Jordan Scarlett would be an interesting fit because he’s a true one-cut-and-go type of running back. His lateral speed isn’t amazing, but his ability to accelerate once he’s in the open field makes him a dangerous threat.
Round 6: No. 186 Overall: TE Foster Moreau, Louisiana State
Luke Stocker makes for a solid three tight ends on the team, but Atlanta should look into a true H-back style fullback who can also play tight end. Foster Moreau from Louisiana State could fill that role. The Falcons would have to develop him in order to maximize on the plus athleticism Moreau showed while at the combine. As a blocker, he’s already there and should instantly be able to help in the run game.
Round 7: No. 230 Overall: OT Trey Pipkins, Sioux Falls
Depth at offensive tackle is also a minor issue. By releasing Ryan Schraeder, they’re going to need some more depth behind projected starters Jake Matthews and Ty Sambrailo. Trey Pipkins from Sioux Falls is a great athlete and could be a good flier to take as a swing option.
