The NFL Combine has come and gone; unsurprisingly, Kirby Smart‘s Georgia Bulldogs dominated the weekend in Indianapolis. Here are a few prospects that could interest the hometown Falcons:
RB Kenny McIntosh
He’s certainly not the featured, three-down runner some might’ve envisioned, but he’d be perfect in a complimentary role with the Falcons. His contact balance is impressive, but his greatest attribute is his ability on third downs. He has excellent hands and can run decent routes, as we saw throughout the 2022 season. He could slot in perfectly next to Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson as a third down back.
Edge Nolan Smith
Nobody made more money for themselves at the combine than Nolan Smith. He’s an undersized edge defender, but I have seen him take on a 300+ pulling guard with ease. He might not necessarily be an edge setter, but he could play the weak side in alignments and use his speed. The size is about the only thing holding him back from being a consensus top 10 prospect.
TE Darnell Washington
Washington is a road grader. He’s a modern-day Marcedes Lewis, who went in the first round in 2006. Washington is effective in most facets of the game. He has reliable hands and is difficult to bring down after the catch. His biggest asset is his blocking, which can become elite if he refines his technique. The Falcons love using multiple tight ends, and Washington would be a seamless schematic fit. It would be a marriage made in heaven.
OT Broderick Jones
Broderick Jones is someone I believe could replace Kaleb McGary if the Falcons went that direction. He is very athletic for his size, which is important in Arthur Smith’s zone rushing scheme. He certainly isn’t a finished product, but the tools are there to be a solid starter on the right side.
DT Jalen Carter
Jalen Carter is one of the most tantalizing prospects in teh draft. He has the versatility to play any front with a jarring combination of quickness and power. Despite the off-the-field concerns, he’s a can’t-miss prospect on the field. The Falcons haven’t been willing to take many risks when it comes to the draft, but I don’t think any of Carter’s issues would keep them from pulling the trigger if the scenario presented itself.
—
John Adams/Icon Sportswire
