Mel Kiper of ESPN just released his first mock draft of the offseason, and he has the Georgia Bulldogs making history, with three of their defensive players going within in the top 13 picks.
7. Mykel Williams
“This is another team with quarterback questions, but regardless of Aaron Rodgers‘ future, the Jets might focus instead on the other side of the ball in Round 1. I’m getting the sense that Williams will get drafted higher than most expect — he’s No. 12 on my board — and he could give New York more presence off the edge,” Kiper wrote.
Williams doesn’t have eye-popping stats like a lot of guys going inside the top 10, but he was a three year contributor at Georgia and comes with the size and athleticism that NFL teams covet. It also doesn’t hurt that Kirby Smart has a reputation for pumping out elite defensive talents, which could lead to Williams getting drafted much higher than some might expect based on his production.
8. Jalon Walker
“Walker is versatile, and he can line up as a traditional off-ball linebacker or as an edge rusher. His game is all about speed-to-power, and no matter where you put him, he can get into the backfield to blow up plays. He had 6.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss this season, and he’d be a fit in coordinator Ejiro Evero’s unit.”
As a Falcons fan, seeing Jalon Walker go to a division rival would be a nightmare. He fits everything Atlanta needs on the defensive side of the ball, capable of lining up as a linebacker or getting after the passer on the EDGE. My gut tells me he’ll be used where he’s most valuable at the next level, and that’s as a pash rusher. His size, speed, and power give him all the makings of a game-wrecker, something the Falcons have to add in this draft.
13. Malaki Starks
“No college defense has ever had three players go this early in the same year, per ESPN Research, but Starks could join the early run on Bulldogs. He closes well and makes plays on the ball. With 67 tackles this season, he works well in space. And he’s versatile, lining up as a traditional safety and over the slot.”
Starks is another player that could interest the Falcons and be around when Atlanta is on the clock. Jessie Bates III is arguably the best safety in all of football, but he needs a long-term running mate. Starks versatility as a cover guy in the slot makes him very appealing as well.
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Photographer: Jordon Kelly/Icon Sportswire
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