It’s the first mock draft Monday of the season, and with the Falcons sitting at 3-2, Tankathon is projecting them to pick in the middle of the first round. This is subject to change if the Falcons make the playoffs, but right now, it’s far from a guarantee. Most Falcons fans will have the same position on their mind; and it’s quarterback. However, Desmond Ridder played pretty well this past Sunday, so I’m going to wait until later in the season. If you’re familiar with this series, I try to focus on mixing up players and talking about different guys. This will be a bi-weekly series, so stay tuned if you think I missed someone.
Round 1, Pick 19: EDGE Chop Robinson — Penn State
Even though the Falcons have had somewhat of a renaissance on defense, when you look at the board, Robinson still makes a ton of sense for this team. A lot of Atlanta’s new-and-improved front consists of veterans on short-term deals. While they have a few guys developing, Robinson has the potential to be the game-breaking pass rusher that Falcons fans have been starving for. He is extremely explosive and may have the best first step in this entire draft class. Like a lot of college pass rushers, he’s going to have to develop a plan once he can’t win with his sheer size and strength, but one of Robinson’s best assets is his effort. He has one of the hottest motors in this entire group, and it’s hard to find a play that he quits on. He has all of the tools to be a day one starter in the NFL and make a Pro Bowl almost immediately.
Round 2, Pick 51: CB DJ James — Auburn
Once again, the Falcons have been pretty solid at the cornerback position, but they could always use some depth and fresh blood at the position. We have seen injuries strike with Jeff Okudah, and he’s not guaranteed to be in Atlanta past this season. Even if he is, James makes a ton of sense at this junction. He is a versatile corner with a good blend of man and zone coverage skills. His aggressiveness can be a strength and a weakness, but with proper coaching, he could be an immediate contributor in the secondary. The Falcons can afford to be patient with him, but with his talent, they may not need to be.
Round 3, Pick 83: WR Will Sheppard — Vanderbilt
The Falcons need a long-term solution at WR2, even if they aren’t a pass-heavy team. When talking about upside, it’s hard not to get excited about a player like Will Sheppard. If you haven’t been watching a ton of Vanderbilt football, I don’t blame you, but Sheppard is far-and-away their best player. He has an insane catch radius and will make some of the most ridiculous grabs you will ever see. Even though he’s a big body, he has some spark with the ball in his hands after the catch. He’s somewhat similar to Drake London, and his competitive play with the ball in the air should make life easier on Desmond Ridder, or whoever Atlanta’s quarterback is.
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Photographer:Â Ric Tapia/Icon Sportswire
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