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, 17th
overall – Emmanuel Ogbah, Defensive End, Oklahoma State
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| 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.
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| 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, 50th
overall – Keanu Neal, Safety , Florida
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| 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.
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| 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, 81st
overall – Deion Jones, Linebacker , LSU
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| 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, 115th
overall – Connor McGovern, Guard , Missouri
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| 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.
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| Connor McGovern had a solid game against Texas A&M |
Round 7, 241st
overall – Devin Fuller, Wide Receiver , UCLA
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| 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)
