The Falcons kicked off the NFL draft weekend by selecting Drake London, a big-bodied receiver out of USC, with the eighth overall pick. London should pair nicely with Kyle Pitts, giving Marcus Mariota and Arthur Smith another weapon to distribute the ball to. Atlanta heads into the second day of the draft with four picks in their arsenal. Here are a few players the Falcons could target in the second and third rounds:
Quarterback
Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, Matt Corral, Sam Howell, Bailey Zappe
It was shocking to see Willis fall out of the first round, but the media has consistently been higher on prospects than teams — i.e., Jermaine Johnson II. However, if he falls to Atlanta’s first pick on day two, I’d expect Terry Fontenot to take a stab at him. Corral would be my choice of this group because he’s got the physical gifts and moxie to be a franchise quarterback. However, I’d fully expect the Falcons to come away with one of these prospects today.
Running Back
Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker III, Zamir White, James Cook
The first running back has yet to be selected, but I’d expect Hall and Walker to go in the second round. The former is a three-down back who possesses great footwork and patience in the run game with decent hands in the passing game. The latter impressed at the combine with a 4.39 40-yard dash that many weren’t expecting. Walker has good vision and is electric in the open field.
Wide Receiver
Skyy Moore, George Pickens, Jalen Tolbert, Christian Watson, John Metchie III, Alec Pierce, David BellÂ
Even though the Falcons came away with a wideout in the first round, don’t be surprised if they double up. Fontenot has been outspoken on the organization’s willingness to add to a position of strength, which I’m not even sure you could categorize the receiver group as yet. Regardless, there are quality pass catchers available. Pickens is a similar X as Drake London, so I’d be a little surprised if he ended up in Atlanta. However, John Metchie III would pair perfectly with Pitts and London; he’s who I’ve got my eyes on. Watson would make the Falcons’ receiving core a legit basketball team, and we know Arthur Smith likes those bigger pass catchers — i.e., London, Pitts, Cordarrelle Patterson.
Offensive Line
OT Bernhard Raimann, OT Daniel Faalele, G Darian Kinnard, G Jamaree SaylerÂ
Even though the Falcons seem to be content rolling with the same starting five linemen, I can’t fathom them not taking at least one on day two. Kinnard and Sayler would make sense to create competition for Jalen Mayfield, but the Falcons also need to start thinking about life without Kaleb McGary. So, look out for them to target a tackle to groom behind him.
Defensive Line
Travis Jones, Perrion Winfrey, Demarvin Leal, Phidarian MathisÂ
I thought there was a chance Travis Jones would be a first-rounder, and even though he fell to the second round, Falcons fans shouldn’t expect him to be there when they’re selecting. Atlanta would likely have to trade up to grab the stud nose tackle out of Connecticut. Winfrey is a more versatile defensive lineman, who can move up and down the line of scrimmage and might be one of the better scheme fits for Dean Pees’ defense.
EDGE
Many believed EDGE would be where the Falcons spent their first-round pick, but London was the highest-rated prospect on Fontenot’s board. Regardless, this group needs some TLC. Atlanta ranked dead last in sacks last season… by a country mile; they must add to the position. Ebiketie or Hall will likely be the first EDGE defender off the board today, but one might fall to the Falcons. Before his injury, Ojabo was considered by many to be a first-round talent. Grabbing a guy with high upside that will likely miss what should be a lost season could interest Fontenot.
—
Photographer: Michael Wade/Icon Sportswire
You must log in to post a comment.