With NFL mock draft season in full effect, two prospects have been projected to the Atlanta Falcons over and over. Those two players are Iowa’s A.J. Epenesa and LSU’s K’Lavon Chaisson, both of whom are edge rushers that could be available at pick No. 16.
ESPN’s Todd McShay released a post-combine mock that has the Falcons again taking Chaisson. What makes McShay’s pick somewhat questionable, however, is that he passed on highly-rated South Carolina defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw to do so.
Here’s what McShay had to say about his selection:
I considered Kinlaw here too, and even pondered reaching for Notre Dame tight end Cole Kmet, but the Falcons really need an edge rusher. Vic Beasley Jr. is leaving in free agency, and Adrian Clayborn might join him. Takkarist McKinley’s future in Atlanta beyond this coming season is hazy, as well. Chaisson surged late in the 2019 campaign as an athletic pass-rusher with speed. If he adds some power, my second-ranked edge rusher could be a great get for the Falcons in the middle of the first round.
He does have a point that Chaisson is essentially an ideal replacement for Vic Beasley. Plus, the uncertain future of Takk McKinley makes the need for an edge rusher even more pressing.
Kinlaw is the higher-rated prospect and could also help Atlanta’s pass rush in 2020. Both players project to be long-term starters and the team would be upgrading its defensive line either way.
Don’t worry, though, there will be hundreds of different mocks to come out before April’s draft, and at this point, it’s all just speculation.
