Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Final 7-Round Predictions for the Falcons

The 2012 NFL draft begins at 8 p.m. ET on Thursday. If my math is correct, that's just 83 hours from right now, the moment I hit the "publish" button. It's time to take a look at my final predictions for the draft for the Atlanta Falcons.

Back on April 2, I produced a mock draft and selected Clemson tight end Dwayne Allen with Atlanta's first pick (second round - No. 55) in the draft. I've altered my thinking just a bit since then.

Sitting and listening to team owner Arthur Blank, general manager Thomas Dimitroff and head coach Mike Smith wrap the season up after the Falcons were bounced from the playoffs by the Giants, I heard a lot of talk about the offensive line, quarterback Matt Ryan not having enough time in 2011 in particular.

In Dimitroff's pre-draft press conference last week he spent a good bit of time complimenting the offensive line for keeping Ryan upright—the Falcons gave up just 26 sacks last year (sixth in the league). But he also mentioned that he was aware the Ryan was rushed a lot.

Factor that in with the fact that new offensive coordinator Dirk Koetter is going to want to make Atlanta's passing attack more vertical—which means Ryan is going to need a bit more time to throw—and you can understand why I'm switching my mind from tight end to the offensive line.

Remember that the Falcons have no first- or fourth-round picks this year because of the Julio Jones trade last year. Atlanta was awarded one compensatory pick giving the team six total for the upcoming draft.

Round 2 (No. 55 overall) - Jeff Allen, OL - Illinois

Jeff Allen has experience at Illinois at both left and right tackle and inside at the guard position. Since the Falcons would love to add depth at both positions and head coach Mike Smith loves versatility in his linemen, this pick makes sense. Allen could stand to add some size to help more in the run game, but he's solid in pass protection.

The fact that Allen was a two-year captain for the Fighting Illini shows he's a leader on and off the field, which is something general manager Thomas Dimitroff covets during the draft.

Round 3 (No. 84 overall) - Cam Johnson, DE - Virginia

Cam Johnson might not be ready to step onto the NFL field in an every-down situation and produce, but that's OK. Atlanta uses a defensive line rotation and has a great mentor in John Abraham to guide Johnson at the next level. Johnson is highly explosive and best yet, is a high-motor pass rusher who doesn't stop ever.

He is best suited in a 4-3 scheme, but can also function in a 3-4, which could be music to the ears of new defensive coordinator Mike Nolan who will likely play a 4-3 with some hybrid 3-4 looks.

Round 5 (No. 157 overall) - Tom Compton, OT - South Dakota

I wanted to go with a defensive back here, and I took a good, hard look. But I found that there was more upside at other positions, so I circled back to the offensive line. I'm sure to catch heat for another lineman here.

It's not a sexy pick. Well, without a first-rounder, the isn't going to be a terribly sexy draft for the Falcons so why not grab who's very strong, physical and plays extremely angry?

Round 6 (No. 192 overall) - Donnie Fletcher, CB - Boston College

At 6'1", Donnie Fletcher has good size, which is needed in the Atlanta secondary. He's also a good zone defender who reads a quarterback well, and a guy who isn't afraid to make an open-field tackle.

Fletcher had a sub-par senior season, which has pushed him down in the draft and he has been criticized for not practicing well. If the Falcons feel they can bring out a better work ethic in Fletcher, they'll draft him because of his experience at the position and his size.

Round 7 (no. 229 overall) - Sean Richardson, S - Vanderbilt

Sean Richardson lead the Commodores in tackles in 2010 and was second on the team last season. He has speed, he's not afraid to put a lickin' on anyone, and he has size. Richardson is 6'3" and 216 pounds. He's athletic and was a three-year starter.

Coverage isn't his strong suit, but if that were to develop he'd be a steal in the seventh round. At worst case, he's added depth to a unit that really needs it.

Round 7 (No. 249 overall) - Darrell Scott, RB - South Florida

While Darrell Scott never dominated Big East defenses, he's a punishing runner who has some deceptive breakaway speed. Best of all, Scott has upside and could turn into a good finisher.

It doesn't matter if Scott is only suited to be a two-down back, Atlanta has Jacquizz Rodgers for third-down situations.