Atlanta Falcons: Updated Draft Big Board After 1st Wave of Free Agency
After the first wave of free agency drastically changed the Atlanta Falcons roster, the team has modified its needs slightly. However, two spots stand out as lacking true starters—pass-rushing "Leo" defensive end and left guard. With this being a top value board based on the Falcons' needs, it's organized by best fit available.
Pass-rushing Leos will top the board, as they are the best fits. After that, the rest will be values who happen to fit the scheme, and if they are available and the other four aren't, the Falcons should pounce on them. They might be the best players from the class when all is said and done.
1. Dante Fowler Jr., Leo, University of Florida
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Based on the familiarity factor with new Falcons head coach Dan Quinn—Quinn was Fowler Jr.'s coordinator in 2012—and his talent level, the Falcons should have the Florida defensive end at the top of their board. Fowler has the potential to be the next Justin Houston or Terrell Suggs in the Falcons scheme.
He would ideally line up as the Leo in 2015 and eventually transition to a strong-side defensive end role or a role similar to what Michael Bennett played in 2014, where he was aligning himself all throughout the defensive front seven to create mismatches and havoc from everywhere.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'2 ⅝" Weight: 261 pounds
Arm Length: 33 ¾" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅜"
40-yard dash: 4.60 sec. 10-yard split: 1.56 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.32 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.40 sec. Bench Reps: 19 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.5" Broad Jump: 9'4"
Stats
2014: 12 games played, 60 tackles, 15.0 tackles for loss, 8.5 sacks, 17 QB hurries, 2 fumbles forced, 1 pass deflection
2013: 12 games played, 50 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 7 QB hurries, 3 fumbles forced, 1 pass deflection
2012: 13 games played, 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry
2. Vic Beasley, Leo, Clemson University
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If Dante Fowler isn't there and Vic Beasley is, the Falcons need to sprint to the podium to take the second-best fit for their defense. Beasley is an athletic specimen comparable to Von Miller or Bruce Irvin and should play a similar role as a strong-side linebacker and defensive end.
As a rookie, he should be a Leo, though. The best fit for Beasley early on will be one that minimizes his liabilities in the run game and allows him to pin his ears back and attack the quarterback. Beasley is a true talent and could be the premier pass-rusher that the Falcons have been lacking.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'3" Weight: 246 pounds
Arm Length: 32 ½" Hand Measurement: 9 ⅜"
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" 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 fumbles forced
2011: 9 games played, 1 tackle
2010: Redshirted
3. Randy Gregory, Leo, University of Nebraska
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Speaking of Leos, Randy Gregory would be an excellent fit as well. The Falcons could take the John Abraham clone and put him into a similar role that the veteran played in 2012 when he was trying to find the ideal spot to pass-rush from on any play.
Gregory would benefit from being allowed to rush standing or with his hand in the dirt and pretty much removing any coverage responsibility. His strength is getting after the quarterback, and Atlanta needs someone who can do just that.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'4 ⅞" Weight: 238 pounds
Arm Length: 34" Hand Measurement: 10"
40-yard dash: 4.64 sec. 10-yard split: 1.60 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.16 sec. Three-cone Drill: 6.79 sec. Bench Reps: 24 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5" Broad Jump: 10'5"
Stats
2014: 11 games played, 54 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 10 QB hurries, 1 interception, 1 fumble forced, 3 pass deflections, 2 blocked kicks
2013: 13 games played, 65 tackles, 16.0 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks, 15 QB hurries, 1 interception, 1 fumble forced, 1 fumble recovered, 1 pass deflection, 1 defensive touchdown
2012: Injury redshirted at Arizona Western Community College
2011: Played at Arizona Western Community College
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4. Bud Dupree, Leo, University of Kentucky
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Bud Dupree needs to fill a role that minimizes his rookie responsibilities and allows him to pin his ears back and just attack the quarterback or ball-carrier. The only reason why this athletic freak is listed fourth is just how raw he is after playing in Kentucky in an awkward role for his skills.
At 6'4", 269 pounds, he could be a better run defender than he has shown, and working with both Brian Cox and Dan Quinn should help the developing talent. As a rookie, he may be more of a rotational end who plays 60 percent of the passes and primarily rushes the quarterback, but even in that role, he could be highly productive.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'4" Weight: 269 pounds
Arm Length: 32 ⅝" Hand Measurement: 9 ¾"
40-yard dash: 4.56 sec. 10-yard split: 1.60 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.47 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.49 sec.
Vertical Jump: 42" Broad Jump: 11'6"
Stats
2014: 12 games played, 74 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries, 1 interception, 2 fumbles forced, 1 pass deflection, 1 blocked kick, 1 defensive touchdown
2013: 11 games played, 61 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 2 fumbles forced, 1 pass deflection
2012: 12 games played, 91 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, 1 pass deflection
2011: 12 games played, 21 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 2.5 sacks, 1 QB hurry, 2 pass deflections, 1 blocked kick
5. Leonard Williams, Under Tackle, University of Southern California
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Should none of the top four edge-rushers be available, the Falcons could improve their interior line rotation of Paul Soliai, Ra'Shede Hageman, Tyson Jackson and Jonathan Babineaux with a guy who can play the same role that Red Bryant played for Dan Quinn in 2010.
Leonard Williams has a tall, long frame and would be an excellent 5-technique defensive end on base downs who would slide over to the 3-technique on pass-rushing downs. Add in Hageman and Soliai, and the Atlanta run defense should be one of the best in the NFL with the top USC defender.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'4 ⅝" Weight: 302 pounds
Arm Length: 34 ⅝" Hand Measurement: 10 ⅝"
40-yard dash: 4.97 sec. 10-yard split: 1.72 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.53 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.59 sec.
Vertical Jump: 29.5" Broad Jump: 8'10"
Stats
2014: 13 games played, 80 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, 7.0 sacks, 2 QB hurries, 1 interception, 3 fumbles forced, 3 pass deflections
2013: 13 games played, 73 tackles, 12.5 tackles for loss, 5.0 sacks, 4 QB hurries, 1 fumble forced, 1 blocked kick
2012: 13 games played, 64 tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 8.0 sacks, 1 interception, 4 pass deflections
6. T.J. Clemmings, Offensive Tackle, University of Pittsburgh
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Atlanta has four out of five starters along the offensive line looking set with Ryan Schraeder at right tackle, Jon Asamoah at right guard, Joe Hawley at center and Jake Matthews at left tackle. This would be a next-to-worst-case scenario for availability at the pick, as pass-rusher is the most important thing needed.
T.J. Clemmings could be a top guard for the Falcons as a rookie, though. He's a great athlete for the position and has a strong punch right off the line. As a rookie, he could develop his feet and pass-blocking technique at guard while still being a great run-blocker.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'4 ¾" Weight: 309 pounds
Arm Length: 35 ⅛" Hand Measurement: 10 ⅜"
40-yard dash: 5.14 sec. 10-yard split: 1.80 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.54 sec. Three-cone Drill: 7.68 sec. Bench Reps: 22 reps
Vertical Jump: 32.5" Broad Jump: 9'3"
Stats
2014: 13 games started at right tackle
2013: 13 games started at right tackle
2012: 8 games played, 20 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss, 3 QB hurries
2011: Redshirted
2010: 6 games played, 3 tackles, 1.0 tackle for loss
7. Kevin White, Wide Receiver, West Virginia University
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Assuming no value at pass-rusher, defensive line or offensive line is available, the Falcons should take the highest upside player in the draft. That's Kevin White. He's a big-bodied receiver who is fast as the wind and can make the tough catches.
He doesn't have the best routes or even best hands due to lack of concentration. However, he'd be a great complement to Julio Jones as a deep threat in Kyle Shanahan's offense. If White is there at No. 8 and none of the previous six is available, Atlanta can do way worse.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'2 ⅝" Weight: 215 pounds
Arm Length: 32 ⅝" Hand Measurement: 9 ¼"
40-yard dash: 4.35 sec. 10-yard split: 1.55 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 4.14 sec. Three-cone Drill: 6.92 sec. Bench Reps: 23 reps
Vertical Jump: 36.5" Broad Jump: 9'10"
Stats
2014: 13 games played, 109 catches, 1,447 yards, 10 touchdowns, 2 tackles
2013: 11 games played, 35 catches, 505 yards, 5 touchdowns, 2 tackles
2012: Played at Lackawanna College (junior college level)
2011: Played at Lackawanna College (junior college level)
8. Amari Cooper, Wide Receiver, University of Alabama
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If all of the prior options are gone—which would be very unlikely—then the Falcons should consider going with the most polished wide receiver coming out of the class in Amari Cooper. He would fit right in with Julio Jones and Roddy White and give the Falcons a great trio of receivers.
Matt Ryan would have his long-term top two receivers with Jones and Cooper, as they continue to learn from White. Cooper is athletic and compares to Marvin Harrison as his ceiling. Cooper could be the best receiver in the league in a situation like Atlanta.
Combine/Pro-Day Measurements
Height: 6'0 ⅞" Weight: 211 pounds
Arm Length: 31 ½" Hand Measurement: 10"
40-yard dash: 4.42 sec. 10-yard split: 1.62 sec.
20-yard shuttle: 3.98 sec. Three-cone Drill: 6.71 sec.
Vertical Jump: 36.5" Broad Jump: 10'0"
Stats
2014: 14 games played, 124 catches, 1,727 yards, 16 touchdowns, 5 carries, 23 yards
2013: 12 games played, 45 catches, 736 yards, 4 touchdowns, 1 carry, 28 yards, 1 tackle
2012: 14 games played, 58 catches, 999 yards, 11 touchdowns, 1 tackle
All stats used are from Pro Football Focus' Premium Stats (subscription required), ESPN.com, CFBStats or NFL.com. All combine and pro-day info is courtesy of NFLDraftScout.com. All contract information is courtesy of Spotrac.
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