Day 2 targets for the Falcons

The Falcons surprised many by taking A.J. Terrell in the first round, but it did address their most glaring need. Atlanta now has two picks on Day 2 — one in the second round (pick 47) and one in the third (pick 78). They still have plenty of holes, mostly on the defensive side of the ball, but could also use an interior offensive lineman and possibly a running back. Let’s take a look at some potential targets on Day 2 of the draft. 

Edge Rushers

A.J. Espenesa- Like many people thought might happen, Espenesa fell out of the first round. If the Falcons want to beef up their defensive line, he might be the best player available. 

Yetur Gross-Matos- Gross-Matos would give the Falcons a ton of options on their defensive line. 

Zach Baun- Baun is another prospect the Falcons should have their eye on. He’s a versatile piece that can rush the passer and also play off the ball as a linebacker. 

Terrell Lewis- Lewis has a substantial injury history, so who knows how far he will fall, but he has the talent to wreak havoc in the NFL. 

Curtis Weaver- Weaver had 13.5 sacks last year for Boise State. He’s an option in Round 2 but might even be available in Round 3. 

Bradlee Anae- The Pac-12’s best pass rusher, Anae stood out at the Senior Bowl, which is always something the Falcons pay close attention to. 

Jose Uche- Another Senior Bowl standout, Uche would help Atlanta’s pass rush tremendously. 

Jonathan Greenard- Who knows where Greenard lands, but he has the talent to be taken in Round 2 or 3. 

Cornerback

Trevon Diggs- A super athletic corner, pairing him with A.J. Terrell would give the Falcons plenty of depth in the secondary. 

Kristian Fulton- Another talented corner that many thought would be taken in the first round. 

Jaylon Johnson- A physical corner that Dan Quinn would enjoy in his defense. 

Bryce Hall- I don’t imagine Bryce Hall making it to the Falcons at pick 78, but taking him at 47 might be a reach. 

Defensive Tackle

Ross Blaylock- Many people thought Blaylock would be a first-round pick. Pairing him with Grady Jarrett could be deadly. 

Jordan Elliot- Elliot is one of Pro Football Focus’s darling picks and will be a selection in Round 2. 

Neville Gallimore- Gallimore had four sacks last year and impressed in the Senior Bowl. He could be available in Round 3 but should definitely be there for the Falcons at Pick 47. 

Marlon Davidson- With all the talk about Derrick Brown, Davidson is often overlooked, but he has the talent to be a force on the inside. 

Justin Madubuike- The Texas A&M product is powerful at 295 pounds and could be available for the Falcons in Round 3. 

Safety

Grant Delpit- Delpit is the best cover safety in the draft. He could be a swiss army knife for Atlanta if he makes it to pick 47. 

Xavier McKinney- McKinney is the best all-around safety in the class. I’d be surprised if he made it to Atlanta in the second round. 

Antoine Winfield- Winfield may be short, but he packs a punch. He’s a sleeper at the safety spot and may end up being the best in the class. 

Jeremy Chinn- Chinn has unbelievable size at 6’3″, 220 pounds. He could be a target for the Falcons in Round 2 or 3. 

Running Back

DeAndre Swift- I doubt Swift will be available when the Falcons pick at 47, but he’d be a perfect fit in Atlanta. 

J.K. Dobbins- Like Swift, I’m not sure if Dobbins makes it to the Falcons in the second round, but he’d be a fantastic addition, solidifying the position for years to come. 

Jonothan Taylor- Insert what I just said about Dobbins here. 

Cam Akers- Outside of Dobbins, Taylor, and Swift, Akers has the most upside of the rest of the backs. 

Zach Moss- Moss could go Day 2 or slide to Day 3, but he’s a talented back out of Utah.

Interior offensive lineman

Tyler Biadasz- Staying for his senior season turned out to be a negative, but he would be an excellent addition to Atlanta’s offensive line in Round 2 or 3. 

Lloyd Cushenberry- Cushenberry received nothing but high praise from his LSU coaches and was a rock in the middle of the Tigers award-winning offensive line last season. 

Damien Lewis- Another LSU Tiger, Lewis is a mauler that would significantly help the Falcons running game. 

Solomon Kindley- Kindley has talent, but taking him on Day 2 might be a reach. 

Matt Hennessey- Hennessey is one of the most athletic offensive linemen in this draft and could take over at center when Alex Mack retires.