2015 Atlanta Falcons Potential Draft Pick Profile: DL Grady Jarrett

With the new head coach and defensive installation, a 3-technique defensive tackle like Grady Jarrett is going to be extremely important for the Falcons. Jarrett showed his ability to perform at an NFL level when he was at the Senior Bowl.

However, he's not a dominant prospect the way that Geno Atkins or Aaron Donald was at the college level. He's a good, solid interior lineman closer to the Jonathan Babineaux mold and could be the replacement for the long-term Falcon.

Grady Jarrett

Defensive Lineman

Clemson University

Senior Bowl Measurements

Height: 6'0-7/8" Weight: 288 pounds

Arm Length: 31-3/4" Hand Measurement: 9-7/8"

All Senior Bowl measurements obtained firsthand.

Stats

2014: 13 Games Played, 45 Tackles, 10.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.5 Sacks, 4 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced

2013: 13 Games Played, 59 Tackles, 10.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 3 QB Hurries

2012: 13 Games Played, 37 Tackles, 8.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 1 Blocked Kick

2011: 9 Games Played, 4 Tackles

Scouting Report

Strengths

Athletically, there are few defensive tackles who have the speed and quickness that Jarrett has. He's able to use that to his advantage with a great first step, and he understands how to knife through the gaps and make plays in the backfield in the running game.

If he can maintain his leverage, he also has the speed-to-power conversion ability to knock a lineman on his butt on his way to the quarterback. He has great conditioning as well and tends to get better as the game goes on. He's an ideal third-down rusher.

Weaknesses

Due to size and strength issues, Jarrett does get pushed around in the run game if he can't shoot the gaps. His shorter arms don't help much either when it comes to trying to throw around guards. He has trouble getting through blocks at times due to guards locking their arms out against him.

He also will try to shoot gaps on almost every play. He doesn't do well when he's asked to play more of a contain role. Ideally, he would be used as a rotational pass-rusher and not a full-time starter for whoever drafts him.

How Does He Fit the Comrade Filter?

As a college graduate and Clemson permanent team captain for the 2014 season, Jarrett is one of the ideal fits for the Comrade Filter. He's also got a nastiness about him on the field that is reminiscent of Rod Coleman from the mid-2000s. 

He hasn't been arrested or suspended either, and team captains at Clemson aren't voted into that position without being hard workers. Atlanta would have a guy who could be the next Babineaux on and off the field if Jarrett wound up getting drafted by the Falcons.

Overview

Jarrett is a very talented player who will go underdrafted due to his size issues and his lack of functional strength. He's got potential to develop into a very good interior lineman, though. Ideally, he should go to a team that will use him as a fourth defensive tackle in rotation for a year or two.

His best-possible-case scenario would be a career like Babineaux's in Atlanta. A worst-case scenario would be something like Tom Johnson's, where he was a backup for a couple of years until he finally developed into a situational pass-rusher.

How He Would Fit into the Falcons' Plans

Atlanta would likely have to spend a third- or even fourth-round pick on Jarrett. It'd be a great fit for the long-term future of the Falcons' 3-technique situation, as Jarrett could learn from the incumbent at the position in Babineaux.

Atlanta would have to move Ra'Shede Hageman even farther inside to the 1-technique role, but that could be for the best if Jarrett and Babineaux rotate at the other role. Atlanta would also have to let Corey Peters walk this offseason to make a high pick on a defensive tackle seem logical.

All stats used are either from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN, CFBStats or the NFL. All combine and pro day info is courtesy NFL Draft Scout. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and Rotoworld.

Scott Carasik is a Featured Columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, College Football, NFL and the NFL draft. He also runs DraftFalcons.com.

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