Round 1, Pick 31: Charles Harris, EDGE Rusher, Missouri
When Dan Quinn became the head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, the team had virtually no pass rush. He hit big on drafting Vic Beasley, and has just put better personnel on the field. Dwight Freeney is in the twilight of his career, and the team needs help alongside Beasley to make his life even easier. Late in the first round, the Falcons may get a chance to draft Charles Harris. Though he had a better season in 2015, scouts are really big on Harris in this deep EDGE rusher class. There has been mutual interest between the two sides, as Harris revealed during his workout with the team that he really liked the defense Quinn has assembled. This pick could be the one that puts the Falcons’ defense over the top.
Round 2, Pick 31: Pat Elflein, Center, Ohio State
One of the few needs the Falcons have going into the draft is to fill the Guard spot. Though Pat Elflein played Center at Ohio State, they will try him at Guard in hopes of bolstering their line. They could theoretically pay him to be their Center in the future, as his rookie deal will be up around the time Alex Mack’s deal expires in his age 35 season. Elflein is a safe pick and should be ready to start day one, assuming he can make the position change.
Round 3, Pick 31 Tim Williams, EDGE Rusher, Alabama
The Falcons double down at pass rusher and take the most talented player on the board in Tim Williams. However, there are reasons for his slide. Williams admitted to failing multiple drug tests in college. He also was arrested on misdemeanor gun possession charges last fall. Dan Quinn has worked with the Florida Gators and Seattle Seahawks, two teams that have has success taking players with character concerns, and has shown he is willing to take risks to get the best talent available. Vic Beasley, Charles Harris and Tim Williams would be a terrifying trio.
Round 4, Pick 29 Eddie Jackson, Safety, Alabama
Another Alabama defensive stud gets taken. Jackson’s draft value is down due to a season-ending injury, but he can play multiple positions in the secondary and could be the perfect fit to tandem with Keanu Neal at Safety.
Round 5, Pick 30 Corey Clement, Running Back, Wisconsin
Corey Clement is one of the most underrated running back prospects in this year’s draft. With Devonta Freeman’s free agency looming, it would be wise to draft another running back and see what they can bring to the table.
Round 7, Pick 31 Dede Westbrook, Wide Receiver, Oklahoma
Many will be surprised to see Westbrook on the board, but it has been rumored that he is in for a big-time fall on draft day due to off-the-field concerns. While Joe Mixon is the Oklahoma player being scrutinized for domestic abuse, Westbrook has two arrests in that department as well. The Falcons pick up one of the best college receivers from last season, but will keep him on a short leash.