Relative Athletic Scores grade a player’s athleticism on a 0 to 10 scale compared to their peer group, and though athletic tests don’t always forecast how a prospect’s career will go, they do give context to the athlete’s raw skill set. The Falcons have made mistakes in this area before—for example, Vic Beasley. The former 8th overall pick was a workout warrior, scoring a 9.87 RAS and making him an elite prospect in this capacity. However, those athletic traits didn’t transfer to a successful NFL career. More often than not, there is a direct correlation between immediate production and athletic testing. The Falcons need immediate contributors if they want to maximize Matt Ryan’s twilight years. Here are a few Falcons prospects with the highest RAS:
Tariq Woolen Relative Athletic Score
Woolen’s 9.99 RAS is compared to Byron Jones’s 10 and Jalen Ramsey’s 9.82 scores, which puts him with elite company. A 4.26 40-yard dash and a 42-inch vertical is almost unbelievable for someone who is 6’ 4” tall and 205 pounds. His physical gifts are extraordinary and he would make an excellent pairing with A.J. Terrell.
Jordan Davis Relative Athletic Score
Davis was the talk of the town in Indianapolis. The 341-pound monster ran a 4.78-second 40-yard dash, recorded a 32-inch vertical, and broad jump of 10 feet, 3 inches. Davis is a freak of nature, and his on-field drills were just as impressive. The only question is how teams feel about his upside and potential as a pass rusher, not just a two-down player.
Travon Walker Relative Athletic Score
Walker is one of several former Dawgs that will see their draft stock rise after an impressive Combine performance, posting a 4.51-second 40-yard dash, a 35 1/2-inch vertical, a 10-foot-3 broad jump and an elite 6.89-second three-cone drill. Walker could be in play for the Falcons’ first-round pick.
Christian Watson Relative Athletic Score
Little-known FCS wideout Christian Watson dazzled at the Combine by running a 4.36 40-yard dash at 208 pounds. A true weight room warrior, Watson showcased a broad jump of 11-4 and a 38.5-inch vertical. He was smooth and in control during on-field drills; Watson could push to be one of the first receivers selected in April’s draft.
Trevor Penning Relative Athletic Score
Penning’s vertical was the only measurement where the offensive tackle prospect didn’t score an elite grade. Penning is still raw in some areas, but he has a real shot to be selected before the Falcons are even on the clock. His 9.96 RAS is elite and the highest of this tackle class.
Breece Hall Relative Athletic Score
Hall is certainly in the cards for the Falcons. He told members of the media that the weirdest question he received during the pre-draft process came from Falcons head coach Arthur Smith: “[i]f one family member could describe you, what would they say?” To me, that’s a reasonable question. However, it doesn’t diminish the prospect of the Falcons selecting him with a second- or third-rounder.
Jermaine Johnson Relative Athletic Score
Johnson may have been the biggest winner in Mobile at the Senior Bowl. He showed his relentless motor and competitiveness while displaying the smooth movement that notched him 12 sacks, 45 pressures, and 23 tackles for loss last season. Johnson may be a little rich for some at the 8th pick, but I don’t feel that way at all.
Damone Clark Relative Athletic Score
Clark really helped his draft stock over the week in Indianapolis with some solid tests—a 4.57-second 40-yard dash, a 36 1/2-inch vertical, and a 10-foot-7 broad jump. He was consistent and balanced in his drills, especially when dropping into coverage. He can be a three-down linebacker for a defense in this league and should be available for the Falcons in the middle rounds of April’s draft.
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