Mock draft season is winding down as the start of the NFL draft is just two days away. Our friends over at Draft Wire released a final four-round mock that has the Atlanta Falcons filling needs and getting value.
Let’s take a look at all four rounds of Luke Easterling’s new mock, starting with the Falcons’ No. 16 pick.
Pick 16: DL Javon Kinlaw – South Carolina
Draft Wire Analysis: This entire defensive line is in desperate need of help, outside of Grady Jarrett. There’s quality talent on the board at both the EDGE spot and along the interior, so the Falcons go with the best overall prospect in Kinlaw. His combination of size, versatility, and a nonstop motor make him one of the most promising defenders in this entire class, and a steal outside the top 15.
Pick 47: EDGE Terrell Lewis – Alabama
Falcons Wire Analysis: Terrell Lewis could be a player Atlanta targets if the team fails to trade up in the first for a cornerback or defensive end. Lewis is an athletic EDGE that would both add something to the Falcons’ pass rush next season and give the team insurance in case Takk McKinley doesn’t pan out as the coaching staff is expecting him to. At pick No. 47, Lewis could be a great value pick in the second round.
Pick 78: RB Cam Akers – Florida State
Falcons Wire Analysis: Akers has been a popular selection for the Falcons in mocks. But that’s because he brings a lot of the traits Atlanta looks for in its running backs. He has good vision, burst and comes from the same program Devonta Freeman did. In this situation, the Falcons add a potential starter without using a first or second-round pick on a running back. With Todd Gurley in place, Akers won’t have to do much as a rookie and brings more than some of the other backs the Falcons currently have under contract.
Pick 119: OL Darryl Williams – Mississippi
Falcons Wire Analysis: Williams is an ideal mid-round prospect for Atlanta, with the ability to compete for the left guard spot in 2020, and take over at center for Alex Mack in 2021. A three-year starter at Mississippi state, Williams needs to add more bulk to his frame if he wants to survive in the NFL. He could also work on his mobility for teams — such as Atlanta — that will ask him to do more zone blocking. In the fourth round, Williams could be a perfect developmental player that helps with depth now and can potentially start down the line.
Pick 143: CB Javaris Davis – Auburn
Falcons Wire Analysis: In Easterling’s scenario, the Falcons wait until pick 143 to draft a cornerback, landing Auburn’s Javaris Davis in the fourth. Javaris is the cousin of NFL corner Vontae Davis, but made a name for himself with an impressive senior season at Auburn. He broke up six passes, intercepted two and flashed elite instincts in 2019. Davis is just 5-foot-8, 185 pounds but ran a blazing 4.39 40-yard dash at the scouting combine. Davis seems better suited for the slot, but has the confidence to line up outside and hold his own.
