Three Reasons to Love the 2016 Falcons Draft Class

Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick Keanu Neal, left, poses for a photo with his jersey and head coach Dan Quinn following a news conference at the football team's practice facility Friday, April 29, 2016, in Flowery Branch, Ga. (AP Photo/David Goldman)

Yes, the draft class by the Atlanta Falcons was small in numbers just as the 2015 draft class, but the 2016 draft class is held with equal importance, believe it or not. Prior to the NFL Draft, it was frequently noted that General Manager Thomas Dimitroff would have his work cut out for him as the Falcons only held five draft picks and several roster holes to fill. Well in actuality, he sort of did fill those holes. So today, I will present three reason why the Atlanta Falcons 2016 draft class is worthy of optimism. 

1. A much needed boost of athleticism:

 

Keanu Neal big hit vs Alabama

Some tend to provide their opinion on whether or not strong safety Keanu Neal was a rich at 17th overall. For the unique defensive scheme that Atlanta's runs, having a solid and well-rounded strong safety is vital. So if he is the next Kam Chancellor, which the reports & film study tends to portray, why not take him, even with needs at DE and LB? With Neal, linebacker Deion Jones (2nd round) and LB DeVondre Campbell (4th round), Atlanta adds three physical defenders with speed and athleticism. 

Deion Jones with a pick six against Eastern Michigan

The defense made notable improvements in 2015 and injecting these three players into a defense that already includes Vic Beasley, Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Jalen Collins, Grady Jarrett, and Ra’Shede Hageman, Atlanta has their most athletic defense in years. Let head coach Dan Quinn and his staff work some magic and we can see even more improvements in 2016. 

2. Second straight draft with Quinn’s fingerprints:

Austin Hooper with a nice catch vs USC

Going back to his time as an assistant coach at the University of Florida and as a member of Pete Carroll’s coaching staff in Seattle, Quinn has a penchant for finding talent. His first draft as Falcons head coach was vivid in showcasing Quinn’s blueprint for the team. He followed that same suit with another draft in 2016 that shows his vision. He wants to get physical and that is indicated with three of the first four picks. Not only that but adding a skilled tight end in Austin Hooper shows that he wants to get more athletic there as well. 

3. The draft class provides more depth:

Devin Fuller touchdown reception

Another key facet that Quinn has been snoozed on by some is that both the offensive and defensive schemes are predicated by versatility. In the case of Hooper, it gives the offense a tight end that is skilled to be an inline tight end or lined up in the slot. With Jones and Campbell, either one has the fluidity and athleticism to play in the middle or the weak-side. Now Atlanta has other options to keep opponents on their toes on game days.

Eric Robinson (@ERobinsonRSEN)

2016 NFL Mock Draft: Eric's Perspective

Three weeks remain. Three weeks until we know for sure what exactly General Manager Thomas Dimitroff and the front office are going to do to help out the team. Only five picks are in their possession, so draft picks are going to be quite accurate. The needs of a middle linebacker, defensive end, strong safety, nose tackle, and offensive guard still remain. Which direction will the Falcons go? Here is an updated Falcons mock draft. 

Round 1, 17^th overall – Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End, Oklahoma State

Ogbah getting a sack vs Texas Tech

Ogbah’s combine performance opened some eyes and turned some heads as the 6’4 defensive end ran a 4.63 40-yard dash with a 35 inch vertical and 121 inches in the broad jump. As Ogbah showed off an athletic realm to his game, the tape shows a defender with strength and solid technique. Ogbah also showed during the season the ability to convert speed-to-power. 

Ogbah earning a sack against Oregon

Ogbah’s production the past two seasons are in his favor as well with 29.5 tackles for loss and 22.5 sacks in the past two seasons. Adding a 270 pound end with speed with Vic Beasley and newly acquired Derrick Shelby will improve the defense greatly. 

Round 2, 50^th overall – Keanu Neal, Safety , Florida

Keanu Neal hit on Terry Godwin

In my opinion, Neal is the best strong safety in the entire draft class. Aggressive, hard-hitting safety with 32 inch arms and 10 inch hands, Neal would easily replace the departure of former Falcons safety William Moore. Neal is truly dependable in run support and has also at times played in the box as well as single-high safety looks while at the University of Florida.

 

Keanu Neal interception vs Tennessee

His coverage issues in certain schemes are what could hurt him as a draft prospect but with the Falcons, playing in a Cover 3 scheme where his primary coverage assignments would be the intermediate curls and hooks routes, could be enough for Neal. The Falcons can really use a heat-seeking missile such as this prospect.

Round 3, 81^st overall – Deion Jones, Linebacker , LSU

Deion Jones pick six against Eastern Michigan

One of the few linebackers in the draft that can hold his own in man coverage, which we knew was an Achilles heel for the Atlanta Falcons last season. Jones will be a much needed addition for a defense that can use a boost of athleticism. Jones blazed the combine with a 4.59 seconds in his 40-yard dash. Jones has solid sideline-to-sideline ability, even for a linebacker with an undersized frame. Dan Quinn will enjoy having this athletic specimen on defense. 

Round 4, 115^th overall – Connor McGovern, Guard , Missouri

Connor McGovern sets a huge block for a Missouri touchdown

McGovern had a solid combine as he displayed plenty of strength and solid technique in field drills. McGovern also has solid ability to move and engage lineman with the intent to get to the second level to block linebackers and/or take on defensive backs, which is a must for the zone-blocking scheme. In addition, he's  6’4  and weighs 311 pounds, this is a definite thumbs up for an offensive line that added a Pro Bowl center in Alex Mack via free agency. 

Connor McGovern had a solid game against Texas A&M

Round 7, 241^st overall – Devin Fuller, Wide Receiver , UCLA 

Devin Fuller's touchdown reception

Falcons could invest a late round flyer on a speedy receiver with size, slot ability, and return ability. Based on his Pro Day results, Fuller clocked in a 40-yard dash at 4.39 seconds with a 36 inch vertical. As a returner goes, Fuller averaged 11.8 yards per punt return and 24.2 yards per kickoff return. It seems that it’s a matter of time that the Falcons will move on from veteran receiver Devin Hester and Fuller can be a return specialist as well as upgrade the WR4 spot for Atlanta. 

Eric Robinson (@ERobinsonRSEN)