Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: 7-Round Predictions, Post-Combine
With the combine finally wrapped up, we have an idea of who the athletic freaks are and who the Atlanta Falcons should look at. Due to that, getting an idea of who would be available in each round makes a ton of sense. Due to this, a rundown of the Falcons' potential picks is just the logical thing to do.
For every pick there will be accompanying combine stats as well as stats from the player's college years. All of these picks are not only athletic, but they are productive and have a great fit and feel for the Falcons' schemes. Follow along as we run down the best possible picks for the Falcons in each round.
Round 1: Vic Beasley, EDGE, Clemson
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Atlanta's biggest need for the 2015 season is finding a pass rush from somewhere. After sacking the quarterback just 22 times during the 2014 season, the Falcons need to show a true pass rush in 2015 and beyond to have the defense reach its true potential.
Vic Beasley is an ideal fit for the Falcons in a role similar to what Von Miller played in Denver or what Bruce Irvin played in Seattle. Considering coordinator Richard Smith and head coach Dan Quinn had those guys at their previous stops, the role for Beasley would be easily carved out in the Falcons defense.
Beasley may not be a can't-miss prospect in the typical sense, but when you factor in his off-field work ethic and on-field talents, he should have a career that at least passes what Irvin's in Seattle has been. It wouldn't be shocking to see him have a Miller-level impact if he winds up in Atlanta.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'3" Weight: 246 lbs
Arm Length: 32-1/2" Hand Measurement: 9-3/8"
40-yard dash: 4.53 sec. 10-yard split: 1.59 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.15 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.91 sec. Bench Reps: 35 reps
Vertical Jump: 41.0" Broad Jump: 10'10"
Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 34 Tackles, 21.5 Tackles for Loss, 12.0 Sacks, 6 QB Hurries, 2 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 3 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown
2013: 13 Games Played, 41 Tackles, 23.0 Tackles for Loss, 13.0 Sacks, 5 QB Hurries, 4 Fumbles Forced, 1 Fumble Recovered, 6 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown
2012: 13 Games Played, 14 Tackles, 8.0 Tackles for Loss, 8.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 1 Fumble Forced
2011: 9 Games Played, 1 Tackle
2010: Redshirted
Round 2: Eric Kendricks, Linebacker, UCLA
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When looking at the Falcons roster and seeing just Paul Worrilow, Allen Bradford, Prince Shembo, Marquis Spruill, Tyler Starr and Joplo Bartu, Atlanta doesn't have the talent at linebacker to compete in the NFC South—especially when the Falcons face a ton of good tight ends every season.
Enter Eric Kendricks from UCLA. The Falcons already have a firsthand look into just how good of a player he can be, as Jeff Ulbrich was his defensive coordinator and linebackers coach in college. Kendricks can play in coverage effectively and is a great athlete for what the Falcons need at outside linebacker.
In Kendricks' worst-case scenario, a career similar to what the Falcons received out of Stephen Nicholas would be what they would see. Ideally, playing Kendricks on the weak side and having him perform to the level of Sean Weatherspoon would be his best-case scenario. Kendricks, Worrilow and Beasley as the starting linebackers would be a ton of fun to watch.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'0-1/4" Weight: 232 lbs
Arm Length: 31" Hand Measurement: 9-5/8"
40-yard dash: 4.61 sec. 10-yard split: 1.64 sec.
Bench Reps: 19 reps Vertical Jump: 38.0" Broad Jump: 10'5"
Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 145 Tackles, 11.5 Tackles for Loss, 4.0 Sacks, 3 Interceptions, 1 Fumble Forced, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Defensive Touchdown
2013: 11 Games Played, 105 Tackles, 4.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 2 Pass Deflections, 1 Blocked Kick
2012: 14 Games Played, 149 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 1 Interception, 2 Fumbles Forced, 3 Fumbles Recovered, 4 Pass Deflections, 1 Blocked Kick, 2 Defensive Touchdowns, 2 Kick Returns, 22 Yards, 5 Carries, 21 Yards, 4 Catches, 45 Yards
2011: 14 Games Played, 76 Tackles, 4.5 Tackles for Loss, 2.0 Sacks, 2 QB Hurries, 3 Pass Deflections
2010: Redshirted
Round 3: Ali Marpet, Guard, Hobart
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Justin Blalock is 31 and isn't getting any younger, and the Falcons need to find a better scheme fit than what Blalock will provide in 2015. Blalock isn't a square peg in the round hole that's the zone-blocking scheme, but he is an octagon. Atlanta would be better off rounding the edges and bringing in a long-term solution.
Ali Marpet is arguably the best guard in the 2015 draft class. As a former tackle he shows that he has the same athleticism he did when he was playing at Hobart. As a guard, he's a perfect fit for the zone-blocking scheme, as he's already a great pass-blocker and can develop as a run-blocker.
As of now, Marpet is most comparable to Joel Bitonio from 2014's draft class. And just like Bitonio, Marpet would be an ideal fit at left guard, and he could start right away and be a 10-year starter. Worst case, Marpet will be another Will Montgomery as a solid zone contributor.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'3-7/8" Weight: 307 lbs
Arm Length: 33-3/8" Hand Measurement: 10"
40-yard dash: 4.98 sec. 10-yard split: 1.74 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.47 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.33 sec. Bench Reps: 30 reps
Vertical Jump: 30.5" Broad Jump: 9'0"
Stats
2014: 12 Games Started at Left Tackle
2013: 11 Games Started at Left Tackle
2012: 12 Games Started at Left Tackle
2011: 6 Games Started at Tackle and Guard
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Round 4: Jeremy Langford, Running Back, Michigan State
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Steven Jackson is getting older (31) and should be cut this offseason due to a lack of production over the past two seasons. Devonta Freeman is good, but as of now, he's the only realistic option under contract for the Falcons who could start in 2015. Atlanta needs competition for him within the new zone-blocking scheme.
Jeremy Langford is a great fit for the Falcons' scheme due to his one-cut and go abilities that would be highlighted within the wide-zone scheme. His ability to stretch the defense left and right could give the Falcons an ability to wear down teams using Langford and Freeman as a one-two punch.
His best-case scenario is that the Falcons will be able to get a ton of production out of him as the primary running back. Atlanta needs someone who can create something out of nothing on some plays, and Langford had a tendency to do that when he was playing for the Spartans.
Combine Measurements
Height: 5'11-5/8" Weight: 208 lbs
Arm Length: 31-1/2" Hand Measurement: 8-3/4"
40-yard dash: 4.42 sec. 10-yard split: 1.56 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.32 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.22 sec.
Vertical Jump: 34.5" Broad Jump: 9'10"
Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 276 Carries, 1,522 Yards, 22 Touchdowns, 11 Catches, 62 Yards,, 1 Tackle
2013: 14 Games Played, 292 Carries, 1,422 Yards, 18 Touchdowns, 28 Catches, 157 Yards, 1 Touchdown, 2 Tackles
2012: 9 Games Played, 9 Carries, 23 Yards, 6 Tackles, 1 Fumble Forced
2011: 13 Games Played, 5 Tackles, 1.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 1 Fumble Return, 1 Defensive Touchdown
2010: Redshirted
Round 5: Darren Waller, Tight End, Georgia Tech
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Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan stresses the talent at tight end in his offense. He also wants guys who are good blockers and have good hands. Levine Toilolo hasn't been that guy throughout the first part of his career, so the Falcons would be wise to bring in competition.
Not only is Darren Waller uber-athletic, but he's also an excellent blocker due to his time within a triple-option offense at Georgia Tech. He's also from the Atlanta area, and with his high level of athleticism, he could be the best Falcons tight end since Tony Gonzalez retired.
If Waller can pack on 10-15 pounds and truly fill out his frame, the Falcons could have one of the best tight ends in the NFL. Waller can line up in-line or as a Joker-style tight end who lines up throughout the formation, including as a big slot receiver. He could add a new wrinkle to the offense that isn't there now.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'6-1/8" Weight: 238 lbs
Arm Length: 33-1/4" Hand Measurement: 9"
40-yard dash: 4.46 sec. 10-yard split: 1.58 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.25 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.07 sec. Bench Reps: 12 reps
Vertical Jump: 37.0" Broad Jump: 10'5"
Stats
2014: 12 Games Played, 26 Catches, 442 Yards, 6 Touchdowns
2013: 12 Games Played, 17 Catches, 367 Yards, 3 Touchdowns
2012: 14 Games Played, 8 Catches, 162 Yards, 2 Tackles
2011: 11 Games Played, 1 Blocked Kick
Round 6: Chris Conley, Wide Receiver, Georgia
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With Roddy White getting older (33) and Harry Douglas looking like a logical cut candidate, the Falcons should be in the market for a long-term solution at the wide receiver position. A developmental No. 2 receiver shouldn't cost too much—especially in a deep receiver class like 2015.
Chris Conley is a local product who has combine measurements that would compare with Julio Jones coming out of college with his 4.35 in the 40 and 45" vertical jump. Conley plays with good leverage on his routes and understands how to use his body to shield the ball from defenders.
However, despite having high athleticism and a couple of great traits, Conley still hasn't developed as a receiver and is definitely an athletic project. He has potential to be a solid option as a No. 2 within an offense, and learning from White and Jones as well as receivers coach Terry Robiskie could really help his career.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'1-7/8" Weight: 213 lbs
Arm Length: 33-3/4" Hand Measurement: 9-7/8"
40-yard dash: 4.35 sec. 10-yard split: 1.53 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.30 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.06 sec. Bench Reps: 18 reps
Vertical Jump: 45.0" Broad Jump: 11'7"
Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 36 Catches, 657 Yards, 8 Touchdowns
2013: 11 Games Played, 45 Catches, 651 Yards, 4 Touchdowns, 3 Tackles
2012: 14 Games Played, 20 Catches, 342 Yards, 6 Touchdowns, 1 Punt Return, 9 Yards, 1 Kick Blocked
2011: 11 Games Played, 16 Catches, 288 Yards, 2 Touchdowns
Round 7: Rakeem Nunez-Roches, Defensive Tackle, Southern Mississippi
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Corey Peters is currently a free agent, and the Falcons would be wise to find someone who could compete for a roster spot on the interior defensive line. Someone who can play either the 1-technique or 3-technique would be ideal for the Falcons, and those are in abundance in the 2015 draft.
Rakeem Nunez-Roches is a leaner athlete than most defensive tackles in this draft despite weighing in just north of 300 pounds. He's good at creating pressure between the tackles and had a great season in 2014 at Southern Mississippi knifing through gaps and stuffing the run.
Ideally, he will fit in with the Falcons defensive line the same way Brandon Mebane fit in with the Seattle Seahawks defensive line. A main-down 3-technique who slides down to 1-technique would be his best long-term role, but he'd be a good reserve and rotational guy until then.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'2-1/4" Weight: 307 lbs
Arm Length: 32-5/8" Hand Measurement: 10-1/8"
40-yard dash: 5.02 sec. 10-yard split: 1.72 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.69 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 7.67 sec. Bench Reps: 26 reps
Vertical Jump: 34.0" Broad Jump: 9'6"
Stats
2014: 11 Games Played, 58 Tackles, 14.0 Tackles for Loss, 3.0 Sacks, 7 QB Hurries, 1 Blocked Kick
2013: 2 Games Played, 8 Tackles, 0.5 Tackles for Loss
Redshirted after the first two games due to injury
2012: 12 Games Played, 37 Tackles, 6.0 Tackles for Loss, 1.0 Sack, 1 Fumble Forced, 1 Pass Deflection, 1 Blocked Kick
2011: 5 Games Played, 2 Tackles, 1.5 Tackles for Loss
Round 7 (from STL): Nick Marshall, Cornerback, Auburn
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With just Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, Ricardo Allen and Jordan Mabin under contract, Atlanta needs to bring in some more competition and depth at cornerback. Ideally, the Falcons will figure out a diamond in the rough who fits their scheme needs like what Seattle did with Richard Sherman.
Nick Marshall was originally recruited by Georgia to be a cornerback after he showing enough in high school to be considered a 4-star recruit. However, he transferred to Auburn because he rightfully felt that he should have been a quarterback at the college level.
The NFL won't agree with him and will project him as a cornerback for his best role. His measurements are comparable to Sherman's coming out of Stanford. They are both long-armed, taller corners who have experience and understanding on the offensive side of the ball. If Marshall is half of what Sherman is, he will still be a more than effective nickelback or second corner for the Falcons in Quinn's offense.
Combine Measurements
Height: 6'1-1/2" Weight: 207 lbs
Arm Length: 32-1/8" Hand Measurement: 9-1/4"
40-yard dash: 4.54 sec. 10-yard split: 1.60 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.15 sec. Three-Cone Drill: 6.96 sec.
Vertical Jump: 37.5" Broad Jump: 10'4"
Stats
2014: 13 Games Played, 178-of-293 (60.8 percent), 2,532 Yards, 20 Touchdowns, 7 Interceptions, 153 Carries, 798 Yards, 11 Touchdowns, 2 Catches, 16 Yards, 1 Two-Point Conversion
2013: 13 Games Played, 142-of-238 (59.4 percent), 1,976 Yards, 14 Touchdowns, 6 Interceptions, 172 Carries, 1,068 Yards, 12 Touchdowns, 1 Catch, 35 Yards, 1 Tackle
2012: Played at Garden City Community College to get experience at quarterback.
2011: 13 Games Played, 5 Tackles
All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats, ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro-day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac and recruiting information courtesy of 247Sports.
Scott Carasik is a featured columnist for Bleacher Report. He covers the Atlanta Falcons, college football, the NFL and the NFL draft.
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