The NFL Draft begins tomorrow, and the Falcons have a few picks that could help them start 2020 better than they did in 2019. Adding some talent to the defensive line, secondary and linebacker corps may be exactly what the team needs to really take that next step.
With the offensive skill positions basically set, it’s the play of the offensive line that will get Atlanta to that next step. The team has talent at four of the five starting positions, however, adding a true left guard or swing tackle late in the draft would be useful.
Round 1 (Pick 16): DT Javon Kinlaw, South Carolina
The Falcons defensive line isn’t anywhere close to set despite the addition of Dante Fowler and re-signings of Tyeler Davison and Steven Means. With Deadrin Senat and Grady Jarrett in the defensive tackle rotation, Allen Bailey and John Cominsky as rotational defensive linemen, and edge defenders Takkarist McKinley and Austin Larkin rounding out the line, something feels like it’s missing.
Javon Kinlaw from the University of South Carolina is a perfect fit for the Falcons’ defense as a 1-technique defensive tackle who could also slide over and play some 3-technique.. The 6-foot-5, 325-pound nose tackle would instantly bring exceptional pass rush and run-stuffing abilities. In any other draft, he’s closer to a top-5 pick than a No. 16 overall pick. Kinlaw would give Atlanta three insanely talented starters up front.
Round 2 (Pick 47): S Antoine Winfield, Minnesota
In a surprise pick, Antoine Winfield is the Falcons’ selection in the second round. With Ricardo Allen being the main leader for the Falcons on defense, this pick seems a bit out off kilter. But Winfield was a captain for the Golden Gophers and one of the better deep-third defenders in the draft. His potential is on the same level of Earl Thomas before he got drafted out of Texas.
Winfield has the ability to transform the Falcons’ defense and could lead to some position changes for other Falcons. To create the best defense, Winfield would start at free safety, but then Allen would shift to strong safety and some play at nickel. But the biggest change from a pick like this would be what would happen with Keanu Neal. The Falcons normal strong safety has been dealing with leg injuries and a move to weak-side linebacker could be the best thing for him moving forward.
Round 3 (Pick 78): CB Bryce Hall, Virginia
Currently at cornerback, the Atlanta Falcons have Kendall Sheffield, Blidi Wreh-Wilson, Isaiah Oliver and Jordan Miller. There are some lesser players that aren’t being mentioned, but it’s because they’re unlikely to actually make the roster. Adding more competition at cornerback is 100 percent something the Falcons will be doing in the draft, we just don’t which round it will be in.
Bryce Hall is a perfect fit for Atlanta as a long, tall cornerback who can play well in either zone or man coverages. He has all the tools, a solid frame and physical ability to be successful in Dan Quinn’s scheme. Hall also has great instincts in coverage and could turn into a Pro Bowl-level player working with Atlanta’s coaching staff. Raheem Morris could have a good group to choose from when deciding his starting corners with Hall on the roster.
Round 4 (Pick 119): OL Nick Harris, Washington
The Falcons’ offensive line needs some competition at left guard. Nick Harris is a perfect fit for a mixed zone/gap scheme like what Dirk Koetter likes to run. He’s a bowling ball who can build up steam quickly and take out linebackers at the second level effectively. He’s a good fit for Atlanta at both center and guard. Harris is very similar to former Falcon Chris Chester.
Round 4 (Pick 134): OT Jack Driscoll, Auburn
Atlanta needs a swing tackle to compete with Matt Gono, or even replace him if he wins the job at left guard. Jack Driscoll has four years of starting experience on the offensive line of an SEC team. That would be huge to help the team’s long-term depth. He could also be a sneaky pick to win the Falcons’ left guard position after 2020 if Harris ends up winning the center role.
Round 7 (Pick 228): QB Steven Montez, Colorado
Despite Atlanta bringing back Matt Schaub, the new 2020 collective bargaining agreement gives teams an extra two roster spots on game days based on their practice squads. Steven Montez could be a perfect 53rd man on the roster who could develop into the ideal backup quarterback for Falcons. He’s smart, big and has a great arm. Plus, Montez has solid mobility.
