Five draft picks isn’t much to work with and the Atlanta Falcons know it. That’s why they’ve spent this offseason on a free agent shopping spree. Unlike the New York Giants and the Jacksonville Jaguars, it’s not been an expensive haul.
The Falcons needed depth and since they couldn’t count on adding a lot of it in the draft, they mostly signed rotational guys, though they did add a few starters without completely murdering their salary cap. Center Alex Mack came over from Cleveland, Mohamed Sanu joined the team from Cincinnati and Courtney Upshaw, from Baltimore, should add some size and playmaking ability at outside linebacker. That was definitely something the Falcons were missing in 2015-16 and it showed up on the scoreboard and the win-loss column.
Adding a starter or two for this season and a couple down the road should be the goal with this Falcons draft and, as always, I think I’ve put together the perfect one. Dan Quinn’s Falcons got out the gate quickly last year year, but the defense let them down at the end of the season, costing them a legitimate shot at the playoffs. Time to fix it.
To see every team’s Perfect Mock Draft click here.
Round 1, Pick 17 – Leonard Floyd, OLB, Georgia
2015: 72 tackles, 8.5 for a loss, 4.5 sacks, three passes defended, one fumble recovery, 6-foot-6, 244 pounds
Floyd is a monster presence on the strong side of the defense and his 4.60 speed should be plenty enough to haul down a quarterback when the Falcons send him in as a passrusher. Floyd played in a 3-4 scheme at Georgia so he can also play a little defensive end on third downs, but doesn’t have to leave the field when he’s needed in pass protection. The Falcons added Courtney Upshaw as a free agent to upgrade their pitiful set of outside linebacker. Adding Floyd turns that unit (that includes underrated middle linebacker Paul Worrilow) into an elite group.
Round 2, Pick 50 – Vernon Butler, DT, Louisiana Tech
2015: 50 tackles, 10 for a loss, three sacks, two passes defended, one fumble recovery, 6-foot-4, 323 pounds
Butler is an immovable object on the inside and can consistently get a solid push up the middle. His bulk, wide hips and quickness should keep offensive line off the Falcons linebackers. As big as Butler is, he’s athletic too with a 29.5 inch vertical jump and a 1.82-second 10-yard split. Butler’s stock has risen even more over the last few weeks as he’s shown up on a lot of team’s visit lists, especially teams that are picking at the bottom of the first round. I still think he goes in the second, but the Falcons won’t let him fall far.
Round 3, Pick 81 – Dominique Alexander, ILB, Oklahoma
2015: 104 tackles, 7.5 for a loss, one sack, one interception, two passes defended, 6-foot-0, 232 pounds
The Falcons went into last season with just two NFL-level linebackers on the field and it cost them, especially late in the season. Justin Durant is OK as a back-up, but they need quality depth and Alexander gives them that and some insurance in case something happens to Worrilow at middle linebacker. He’s also got the frame and ability to play on the weak side. He’ll add a long-term option that a free agent signing like Sean Weatherspoon doesn’t.
Round 4, Pick 115 – Jack Allen, Center, Michigan State
2015: All-American, started 47 straight games, 6-foot-1, 294 pounds
While the Falcons won’t need a center to step in as long as Alex Mack is healthy, they can use some depth along the line. While Allen started 42 straight games at center for the Spartans, he made six starts at guard and should be able to play both at the NFL level.
Round 7, Pick 241 – Kyle Friend, OG, Temple
2015: Four-year starter. 6-foot-0, 295 pounds
Gritty, tough blocker who’s not afraid to stand up to a defensive tackle. He’s a work out warrior too and has been known to shock onlookers with the number of 225-pound reps he can put up on the bench press. His smaller size comes with some quick feet and athleticism and he’s excellent at blocking downfield at the second level.
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