The Atlanta Falcons suffered a heartbreaking loss in the Super Bowl and hope they can take a step further and win one in 2017. A strong offseason that included that addition of Dontari Poe was a great step in the right direction. What can we expect from the Falcons heading into the 2017 NFL Draft?
With the 31st overall pick, it’s tough to project who will fall to them at this juncture. We all saw how dynamic the Falcons league-best offense was in 2016 so they may decide to keep improving their young defensive core. One player who fits the Falcons defense would be Charles Harris. The Missouri pass rusher lit up the Combine and could prove to be a nemesis opposite of Vic Beasley. He fits the mold of the Falcons bendy pass rushers in the 4-3 system.
If the Falcons go in the secondary in the first round, Kevin King could be a nice pick for them. King is a long corner at 6’3″ and fits that long corner that Atlanta is looking for. Dan Quinn comes from that Seattle system that predicates success with long press corners. New offensive coordinator Steve Sarkisian recruited King to Washington which could lead to a nice pairing.
In round 2 the Falcons could be eyeing one of those speedy linebackers to slide next to Deon Jones. A pair of Florida Jarrad Davis and Alex Anzalone could be on the Falcons radar. Head coach Dan Quinn used to be the defensive coordinator for the University of Florida and is very familiar with the program. Both players would be excellent fits as outside linebackers in the 4-3. Anzalone is a player who really flashed at the Senior Bowl but comes with a lengthy injury history so they may be able to snag him later in the draft.
From the 3rd round on expect Atlanta to target some offensive lineman. This year’s offensive line class is very weak but Atlanta could use one as Chris Chester was one of the worst guards in football last season. Dion Dawkins from Temple is my number one rated guard but he will likely be gone somewhere in the 2nd round. I would expect Atlanta to target undersized lineman that can fit their zone running game. In a weak offensive line class, it’s about pick of the draw at this point. Dorian Johnson from Pitt and Danny Isadora from Miami could be potential options.
