Even after the signing of Kirk Cousins, I still think all options are on the table for the Falcons with the 8th pick. They could trade up, they could trade down, and they could take any position — including quarterback if the right one falls. Even after picking up Darnell Mooney, I think the Falcons will take a receiver if they stick with the 8th pick. Why sign Kirk Cousins if you aren’t going to maximize his weapons? I’ll explore a few scenarios over the offseason, but for now, this is going to be a regular chalk mock draft.
Round 1, Pick 8: WR Rome Odunze — Washington
We’ll explore a scenario with a defensive player later on, but I want to talk about Odunze today. I don’t think Malik Nabers will be available at this point, but I’m perfectly happy with Odunze. Odunze has blazing speed, a great wingspan, and strong hands. He attacks the football in the air, which really solidifies his polished skillset. His route tree is fairly impressive too; he isn’t just a straight-line guy. The Falcons still badly need help at receiver, and while they may choose to go with a defensive player here, Odunze should provide a lot of juice to this offense right away.
RAS: 9.92
Round 2, Pick 43: IDL/EDGE Darius Robinson — Missouri
Robinson is one of my favorite sleepers in the draft, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he found himself getting taken in the first round. He can play inside-out, so he should be able to generate pressure from multiple spots on the field. He’s a solid run defender who is capable of contributing on all three downs almost immediately. The Falcons could use some young bodies on the defensive line, so not only is this a value pick, but it fills a need.
RAS: 8.83
Round 3, Pick 74: S Javon Bullard — Georgia
I think Javon Bullard is being criminally underrated in this draft. However, this could work to Atlanta’s advantage with an extra third round pick. Bullard would be an excellent fit next to Jessie Bates. He’s a pure thumper who can cause a lot of havoc in the run game. He was a fantastic player at Georgia, but his best football may very well be ahead of him.
RAS: N/A
Round 3, Pick 79: CB Khyree Jackson — Oregon
I like Quinyon Mitchell in the first round of this draft and Kamari Lassiter in the second round, but Jackson should provide some value in the third round. He tested really well, and he has the “NFL size” teams want on the outside. The Alabama transfer is a super physical corner who is a willing tackler, which means he should be able to rotate in almost immediately.
RAS: 9.70
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Photo: Daniel Dunn/Icon Sportswire
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