5 Late-Round Prospects That Would Look Great on the Atlanta Falcons

The Atlanta Falcons enter the 2012 NFL Draft with just six total selections, four of which will come in the fifth round or later.

That makes it all the more important for the Falcons to find some hidden gems in the later rounds this year.

While that won't be an easy feat for Falcons general manager Thomas Dimitroff, it certainly isn't anything new. As a former New England Patriots executive, Dimitroff knows all about the importance of the NFL draft.

He has yet to find the next Tom Brady, but Dimitroff has nonetheless found some success in the deep rounds of the draft since joining the Falcons in 2008. So far, his list of quality late-rounders includes Kroy Biermann, Lawrence Sidbury, Dominique Franks, Jacquizz Rodgers and Matt Bosher.  

Dimitroff and the Falcons will be looking to add even more players to that list in this year's draft, and here are five players who just might fit the bill.

TE Michael Egnew, Missouri

At 6’5” 252 pounds, Egnew has prototypical size for the tight end position. The big prospect was used almost exclusively as a flex receiver for Missouri, which looked to use his ability to make plays in space to create mismatches against smaller defenders.

As a result, the senior has little experience blocking on the line and will need added muscle and coaching in that department. That means Egnew will probably take a few years to develop, and who better to learn from than Tony Gonzalez himself?  

Egnew is projected by most draft sites to go between the fourth and fifth round, which would be perfect for the Falcons if they decide to address other needs early on.

DE/OLB Cordarro Law, Southern Mississippi

Law has been a consistent force since joining Southern Miss in 2008, recording at least five sacks in each of his four seasons with the team. The 6’2” 261 pound prospect finished his senior campaign with a respectable 9.5 sacks and 64 tackles for the Eagles.

As can be seen from the video, Law has a relentless motor to go along with his quick first step, but will need to get stronger and show a better bull rush if he wants to have a productive NFL career.

Law is a bit raw, but his potential ability to play both the 4-3 DE and 3-4 OLB positions could also make him a great fit for Nolan’s multiple defense scheme.

Law looks to be a seventh round project player, but that’s what late-round picks are for, right?

CB Justin Bethel, Presbyterian

Bethel is a small-school prospect with big-time ability.

A four-year starter for the Blue Hose, the 5’11” 200-pounder became the first player from Presbyterian to be invited to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL Scouting Combine.

He didn’t disappoint. Bethel recorded 19 repetitions on the bench press, a 10’11” broad jump and 39.5” vertical jump at the combine.

While his 4.58 40-yard dash time may not signal elite speed, Bethel’s size and experience at both the safety and corner positions in college would make him a great fit for Nolan’s “big nickel” scheme.

Bethel has a fifth- or sixth-round draft grade and might need some time to develop, but in the meantime, there’s no doubt there’s a spot for him on special teams: Bethel blocked nine kicks in his four-year career for the Blue Hose.

WR Marquis Maze, Alabama

Unlike Bethel, Maze knows all about the big stage after playing four years for the SEC’s Alabama Crimson Tide.

After being in the shadow of Julio Jones for most of his career, the explosive speedster finally got a chance to shine last season but finished with just 56 catches for 627 yards and a touchdown.

No matter, for it was as a standout returner that Maze made his name for the Crimson Tide. He returned 33 punts for 436 yards and a touchdown last year to go along with his 12 kick returns for 342 yards.

While undersized at 5’8” 180 pounds, there’s no denying Maze could be a threat in the slot and would have great appeal to fill the void left by Eric Weems on special teams. And that might be enough for the Falcons to take a chance on him in the sixth or seventh round.

OT Nate Potter, Boise State

Few good offensive tackles will be left on the board in the fourth round, but if he makes it there, Potter would definitely be one of them.

Standing tall at 6’6” 303 pounds, Potter spent most of his career blocking Kellen Moore’s blindside at left tackle after starting 28 career games for the Boise State Broncos. 

A quick, athletic lineman, Potter is one of the great pass protectors available in this year’s draft and would be a great prospect for Pat Hill to mold into a starting lineman in a few years.

Potter has all the tools to be a top player in the league, and may very well become just that if he’s able to improve his strength and become a more consistent blocker against the bull rush.