Who's Up For Another Mock Draft? Detailed...let Me Know Your Thoughts

[Ridder Me This]

Here is my 1^st of two mock drafts this year. Honestly, when I look at the roster, a couple of things jump out at me that guided my mock.

1. There are only 4 CBs on the roster and only two have solid playing experience.

**Heavily addressed**

2. There are currently 9 LBs on the roster (I know that doesn’t mean they are good, but that is a lot of guys fighting for playing time and PT). Why add more?

**NO LB Drafted** - Plan to upgrade next year

3. There are only 5 DTs on the roster (two of those are over 30 – Babs, Soliai)

**Mid round depth and potential pick**

4. There are currently 5 WRs on the roster, but 2 are over 30

**Young playmaker early**

5. We have 9 OL on the roster, but too many have underplayed there draft position

**Probably don’t NEED to draft, but guys fall and the value is too much**

After looking at where the talent is located on most draft boards, it is obvious that the Falcons should take a pass rusher at #8 (LEO). The second thing is that I will go against popular belief that the Falcons should draft LB in the first 2-3 rounds. I really think that Anthony and Kendricks will be off the board by #42 and that is too high for Perryman. Also, with the number of players currently on the roster at the position, I don’t see that being addressed this year. I am putting a lot of faith in Quinn to fix the defense more from a schematic standpoint and create “competition” at the positions. Through FA, it is clear that Quinn and the FO are looking for a specific type of player on defense –and specific traits at certain positions.

I know folks don’t like trades in mocks, but this is my mock and I will do what I want!

The Falcons trade #42 (2) and #249 (7) with NE for #64, #95 and #101

Please check after the mock for additional moves following the draft!

1 (8): Vic Beasley 6’3” 246lbs DE Clemson

STATS:

2014: 34 tackles 21.5 TFL 12 sacks

2013: 44 tackles 23.0 TFL 13 sacks

COMMENTARY:

Beasley might have the best first step in the draft. His burst off the ball frequently catches tackles off-balance and he's able to cross their face. Beasley complements his speed rush with a balanced and tight spin back to the inside and a surprisingly effective bull rush.

2 (64): Phillip Dorsett 5’10” 185lbs. WR Miami (FL)

STATS:

2014: 36 rec. 871 yards 24.2 avg. 10 TDs

2012: 58 rec. 842 yards 14.5 avg. 4 TDs

COMMENTARY:

Possesses true "see-ya" speed with easy acceleration to turn on the jets and erase pursuit angles from defenders. Is an explosive playmaker with his natural speed and ability to create after the catch. He shows the ability to make an impact at all levels of the field, also helping out on special teams as a return man.

3 (73): Eric Rowe 6’1” 205lbs. DB Utah

STATS:

2014: 69 tackles 13 PD 1 INT

2013: 59 tackles 7 PD 0 INT

COMMENTARY:

Uses his length and physicality to harass receivers at the line of scrimmage and throughout the route. Good balance and coordination to turn and run, showing steady acceleration and at least functional straight-line speed to remain at cornerback. Is aggressive in run support. Often fights through would-be blockers, including offensive linemen. Physical tackler who lowers his shoulder and drives through ballcarriers.

3 (96): Cedric Ogbuehi 6’5” 306lbs. OT Texas A&M

STATS:

2014: Started at LT

2013: Started at RT

COMMENTARY:

He looks the part of a future NFL Pro Bowler with his easy knee bend and lateral agility. Ogbuehi has vines for arms and strong hands to latch and control, as well as the core flexibility to anchor. He is light on his feet and can adjust in space when run blocking at the second level. Ogbuehi isn't just athletic; he's powerful, demonstrating the strength to simply drive defenders off the ball. He has started at guard as well as right tackle and left tackle.

4 (101): Anthony Harris 6’1” 190lbs. DB Virginia

STATS:

2014: 108 tackles 10 PD 2 INT

2013: 80 tackles 6 PD 8 INT

COMMENTARY:

He possesses exceptional ball-skills, body control and soft hands to be a constant turnover threat, and provides instincts and physicality to play the run in the box. Breaks down well to catch ballcarriers and wraps his arms securely. Trusts his teammates to remain disciplined, showing aggression to attack gaps near the line of scrimmage. Harris never missed a game due to injury over his collegiate career.

4 (107): Mike Davis 5’9” 217lbs. RB South Carolina

STATS:

2014: 199 car. 982 yards 4.9 avg. 9 TD 32 rec. 368 yards 2 TD

2013: 203 car. 1,183 yards 5.8 avg. 11 TD 34 rec. 352 yards 0 TD

COMMENTARY:

A good dual threat back who pports a compact, powerful frame and the combination of burst, agility and power to handle starting duties in the NFL if called upon. When presented with a hole, Davis accelerates through it quickly and has enough straight-line speed to gain yardage in chunks. He also shows the patience to allow holes to develop, as well as the vision to attack cut-back lanes. Davis is a natural runner with subtleties to his game that help rack up yardage, including good lateral agility, a dead-leg hesitation move, a quality spin and the determination to keep his legs grinding through contact.

5 (146): BJ Finney 6’4” 318lbs. OG/C Kansas State

STATS:

2014: Started all 13 games at C

2013: Started all 13 games at C

COMMENTARY:

Quick snap and set-up with smooth lateral movements off the ball. Moves his feet well to generate movement in the run game. Plays like a veteran and isn't surprised by much. Uses proper mechanics and body angles, playing within himself. Tough in the trenches with a stout body type. Not an easy guy to move from his spot and wrestling background shows. Quick and lively hand usage. Can pull and get to the outside, staying light on his feet with enough mobility to get the job done at the second level. High character individual with strong leadership skills and a resilient attitude. Likeable teammate with a positive presence in the locker room and huddle (voted a three year captain by his teammates). Durable and tough, starting 52 straight games in college.

6 (185): Kaleb Eulls 6’3” 305lbs. DT Mississippi State

STATS:

2014: 34 tackles 3 TFL 3 sacks

2013: 26 tackles 1.5 TFL 0 sacks

COMMENTARY:

A high character DT that is well-proportioned with long arms (33 1/2") and thick thighs. Possesses functional strength to hold up at the point of attack that can stack and shed blockers. Good lateral agility and balance for a man of his size. Flows down the line in pursuit, keeping his feet and showing a burst to close when the ball is near. Highly regarded off the field, as well as on it. Received national praise as an 18-year old for disarming a gunman on a school bus full of students.

7 (225): Cam Thomas 6’0” 195lbs. CB Western Kentucky

STATS:

2014: 45 tackles 5 PD 2 INT

2013: 41 tackles 10 PD 5 INT

COMMENTARY:

Built well for the position with a tall, long frame to play press and get physical in the run game. Tough-minded and confident player who isn't afraid of taking chances. Effort isn't a question.

Following the draft, I think the Falcons designate both Sam Baker & Devin Hester as June 1 cuts. The Falcons brass also pony’s up for an extension for Julio. With the additional cap space from the June 1 cuts and “wiggle” room left in FA, the Falcons front load the heck out of his contract!

2015 Atlanta Falcons Roster

***4 new starters and slot WR on offense and 6 new starters and new PR/KR on defense/special teams

Offense

QB: Ryan / Yates / Renfree

RB: Freeman / Davis / Smith / UDFA rookie

FB: DiMarco

WR: Jones / White / Dorsett / Hankerson / Weems

TE: Tamme / Tiololo / Moeaki

LT: Matthews / Holmes

LG: Konz / Finney / Person (open competition)

C: Hawley / Stone / Finney / Konz (open competition)

RG: Asamoah / Gunn

RT: Ogbuehi / Schraeder

Defense

LEO: Beasley / Beirmann / Maponga

DT: Hageman / Babinaeux / Eulls

DT: Soliai / Jackson / Havili

DE: Clayborn / Shofield / Goodman / Matthews

WLB: Durant / Spruill / Bartu

MLB: Worrilow / Stupar

SLB: Reed / Shembo / Smith / Starr

CB: Trufant / Adams / Thomas / Allen

CB: Alford / Southward / Rowe / Harris (open competition)

FS: Southward / Harris / Rowe / Baker (open competition)

SS: Moore / Ishmael

Special Teams

K: Bryant

P: Bosher

KR: Dorsett / Weems

PR: Dorsett / Weems

2016 NFL draft will address WR, TE, LB and DT...flame away!

Edited April 2, 2015 by Matt_The Iceman_Ryan

[Godzilla1985]

Very nice mock. I don't agree with spending so many picks on the secondary. I feel we've done enough of that the past 2 years.

[Steel City Falcon]

Nicely done. I'd be pleased if this happened.

[vel]

Kaleb Eulls is a boss! 15 PDs and 7 INTs in two years?! JJ Watt 2.0!!!

[Ridder Me This]

Kaleb Eulls is a boss! 15 PDs and 7 INTs in two years?! JJ Watt 2.0!!!

Nice catch vel...I fixed it...Not quite JJ Watt...I put a lot of info in this thing, so I had to have at least one mistake!

Edited April 2, 2015 by Matt_The Iceman_Ryan

[FalconFanSince1970]

Too many corners. Where is TJax?

[Ridder Me This]

Too many corners. Where is TJax?

Backup behind Soliai. I could substitute LB for one of the mid round CB/S, but I don't really like any of the mid teir LBs, plus we already have enough on the roster...I don't see an upgrade at TE in the mid rounds over Tamme/Tiololo combo. The only othe roption I could see is going WR again because this is a deep WR class.

We only have 5 CBs on the roster. TOTAL. We will need to add at least 2 more at some point...b/c I'm not sold on Adams and I haven't seen anything from Mabin...plus two of the guys are swing NB/CB/S prospects (Rowe and Harris).

[Vandy]

Like the Anthony Harris & Mike Davis picks especially.

[NateDogg1215]

Very nice but would like to take best available Gaurd on 2nd round .

[falcon82111]

Nice catch vel...I fixed it...Not quite JJ Watt...I put a lot of info in this thing, so I had to have at least one mistake!

You left out Hester at WR/KR

[Farmer2]

You left out Hester at WR/KR

he cut him along w/ baker

[Dirtybird56]

Fantastic, Hester is a smart cut (with Dorsett). Overall this is one of the best I've seen easily, just not sure we will have a trade partner

[citsalp]

A+ for effort....don't see us going DB's that heavy

[Oldskooler]

Fantastic, Hester is a smart cut (with Dorsett). Overall this is one of the best I've seen easily, just not sure we will have a trade partner

If we cut Hester, who will return kicks? Bad idea. Cut Weems if anyone. He's awful as a wr.

[uga_falcons_braves]

Nice job OP. If things went this way on draft day I'd be very happy. I really like the Davis and Ogbuehi picks. I'm not as high on Dorsett as some of you are, but I wouldn't be all up in arms if we selected him. Very good job OP.

[Ridder Me This]

Thanks all on the feedback....I've looked at the 2016 WR class, and it just looks miles behind this class, so even if not Dorsett, I really think we take a WR in the first 3 rounds...

[HatedInRayJay1]

Picking 3 DB's is such a TD move. That alone makes this the most realistic mock this offseason.

[Falcanuck]

Thanks all on the feedback....I've looked at the 2016 WR class, and it just looks miles behind this class, so even if not Dorsett, I really think we take a WR in the first 3 rounds...

Bingo. I agree. And while I am not a huge Dorsett fan, I like the value. Tyler Lockett is my guy, but both bring the same stuff to the table. They are basically what Harry Douglas was coming out of college before his injury.

[Knight of God]

I hope you are TD or Quinn playing around on a MB man.