Falcons - The Magicla Turnaround

Yea, no thank you on Carl Lawson. Woof.

I've seen Charles Harris and Demarcus Walker.

Charlie Casserly has us taking Adoree Jackson.

Daniel Jeremiah has us taking Gareon Conley.

 

Yea, the only reason I remember Harris is because I was equally as turned of by him as I am by Carl Lawson. Harris isn't terrible or anything, I just don't want another smaller DE. I think he's in the 260 range iirc.

 

Walter Football has us taking Malik McDowell.

 

I'm pretty sure he's projected in the top half of the first round. I could be mistaken, though.

He seems like the type that's going to get to the NFL and really blossom. So I wouldn't mind taking him if he fell.

 

Then I'd love to add him. I think he will hold up against the run at DE better than Harris.

 

Kiper Picks Athletic Pass-Rusher to Falcons at No. 31
Falcons with Sacks in 2016


The 2016 season was a breakout season for Vic Beasley Jr. and Grady Jarrett in many ways as they both evolved into integral players in Atlanta's defense. Not only did they find their knack for getting to opponents' quarterbacks - the duo combined for 48 percent (21.5) of Atlanta's 44 total sacks on the year, postseason numbers included - they learned and defined their specific roles. Third-year defensive tackle Ra'Shede Hageman also emerged onto the scene late in the season for the Falcons, becoming a key player for Atlanta's defense in the postseason. Hageman showed his dominance along the interior with his performance in the NFC Championship game versus the Green Bay Packers where he recorded three tackles, three tackles for loss and one sack.

With head coach Dan Quinn at the helm and several young, talented players in tout, draft experts are predicting the Falcons will continue to build this unit, adding an edge rusher with their first-round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft.

ESPN's Mel Kiper released his second mock draft, in which he has Atlanta selecting Charles Harris, a defensive end from the University of Missouri.

"The Falcons had incredible health and continuity along the offensive line, obviously have the quarterback and the weapons on offense and have some nice young pieces on defense," Kiper said of his pick for the Falcons. "But they could use another capable pass-rusher to help out Vic Beasley. When you're guaranteed to face Jameis Winston, Cam Newton and Drew Brees six times a season, you can't have enough there. Harris can come in and help."

Harris is commended for his athleticism, quick burst of speed and fluidity, all traits relatable to what Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff require from players on their roster.

Here's NFL.com draft expert Daniel Jeremiah's break down of Harris in his Top 50 prospects in the Draft list:

"Harris has average bulk and length for the position," Jeremiah said. "He lined up in both a two- and three-point stance at Missouri. As a pass rusher, he has a quick first step and a variety of ways to generate pressure. He incorporates a rip move, tight inside spin move, and a slap-swim move. He is sudden at the top of his rush and he's an excellent finisher. I'd like to see a little more push on his bull rush but he gets by without it. As a run defender, he is better on the backside than the frontside. He plays too high at times and gets uprooted. Overall, Harris is a very polished pass rusher who should be able to harass quarterbacks as soon as he hits an NFL field."

 

I'm not familiar with Chad Reuter on NFL.com, but he did a 4-round mock draft that I thought was worth posting.

1st: Charles Harris, DE Missouri
2nd: Malik McDowell, DT Michigan State
3rd: Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
4th: Michael Roberts, TE Toledo

I don't see us taking another TE, but those first three picks wouldn't make me mad.

 

This lad at Fox Sports has us taking the following:

1st: Carl Lawson, DE Aubren
2nd: Dorian Johnson, OG Pittsburgh
3rd: Marcus Maye, S Florida

 

Mike Mayock has some prospects for the Falcons at No. 31
February 28, 2017

WKU Hilltoppers offensive lineman Forrest Lamp (76) during an NCAA football game between the North Texas Mean Green vs the WKU Hilltoppers, Saturday November 12, 2016 at Houchens Industries-L.T. Smith Stadium in Bowling Green Kentucky. (Photos by Steve Roberts/WKU Athletics)

FLOWERY BRANCH — NFL Network draft analyst Mike Mayock could see the Falcons drafting an offensive guard with the 31st overall pick in the NFL draft, which is set for April 27-29 in Philadelphia.

“I would make a slight argument that I would be looking at that offensive line because you’ve got two guards that are aging and eligible free agency over the next (two) years,” Mayock said on his pre scouting combine conference call on Monday. “So, I would put guard in that equation as well, and I would put a guy like Forrest Lamp from Western Kentucky, would fit what Atlanta does to a T. And if they could go that way and get Forrest Lamp, I would love that.

“But as far as the defensive line and up front, at that 31, a guy like Caleb Brantley could team with Grady


Vanderbilt quarterback Kyle Shurmur (14) passes as he is pressured by Florida defensive lineman Caleb Brantley (57) in the first half of an NCAA college football game Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)

Jarrett. I think on the edge side as far as outside is concerned, I think you’d be looking at potentially a Solomon Thomas or Taco Charlton. So, I think their names right there, all of whom would fit into what Atlanta does scheme-wise, and knowing (general manager) Thomas (Dimitroff) and (assistant general manager) Scott (Pioli), they’re looking for tough guys with a motor. They’re also quick and explosive.”

Mayock was impressed with the Falcons’ 2016 draft class.

“I think Keanu Neal’s contribution to the team this year was not just as a really good football player, but a tough guy that set a tone, and I thought that was outstanding,” Mayock said. “I also thought that De’Vondre Campbell from Minnesota, who is a fourth-round pick, surprised a lot of people.

“I was even looking at him as a potential edge rusher because he’s so long. But he’s fast and he’s tough. And with Deion Jones, the defensive makeover that the Falcons have had in the last two years has been amazing…. it has to do with the fact that they wanted tough guys that could run, and that’s what they got.”

 

Pre-combine Mock Draft from FOXSports.com - Peter Schrager

31
Atlanta Falcons: Zach Cunningham, LB, Vanderbilt


The Falcons loaded up in a big way with young defenders in last year’s draft. They’ll keep loading up in this year’s. Cunningham’s an absolute stud. Top-10 talent, but linebackers are tough to peg in the draft. Cunningham led the SEC in tackles and was just hitting his stride as a ballplayer.

 

USA Today Mock 2.0

31. Atlanta Falcons — Caleb Brantley, DT, Florida: As raw and exciting as the NFC champs' defense is, the one area they could probably use a bit more youth and depth is the defensive line after allowing 4.5 yards per rush in 2016.

 

He's a good player, but I think we could get an interior DL in FA that is as good or better. We need a pass rusher or LB at 31 IMO. Unless of course someone falls way down for some unforeseen reason.

 

Get one of those OLB, DE in the first. Then look at OG in 2nd round.

Cunningham is filthy. Davis seems to be climbing higher in the mock drafts. I've also seen Charles Harris climbing in the mocks. I'd still love to add Walker from FSU at 31 if he's there.

 

Think I forgot to post this the other day:

 

Speaking of, what a fucking find Campbell was. He and Jones both are awesome and really still looked like they had no idea what they were doing at times.