I mentioned it in my previous mock, but the Falcons could really do almost anything with the 8th overall pick. I think quarterback could still be in play if one falls, even though that’s unlikely at this point. In the 2.0 Mock Draft, we went with Rome Odunze in round 1. Let’s explore some options for the defense.
Round 1, Pick 8: EDGE Dallas Turner — Alabama
Unless you’re tuned into baseless rumors, Dallas Turner to Atlanta seems to be the worst kept secret of the combine. Both sides seem like a good fit for each other. Turner, although a bit undersized, possesses some really rare athletic gifts and a freaky long wingspan to boot. He should be able to rotate in immediately in a Raheem Morris defense that players praise everywhere he goes. Turner’s run defense could use some polish, but in terms of fluidity and first step explosiveness, he’s second to none in this class. The sky’s the limit for this guy; it would just be up to the Falcons to develop him into the player he can be.
RAS: 9.31
Round 2, Pick 43: CB Kamari Lassiter — Georgia
Lassiter was one of my favorite cornerbacks on some vaunted Georgia defenses under Kirby Smart, and for good reason. Lassiter has the “NFL Size” teams are looking for and the physicality to boot. He isn’t the fastest guy on the field, but he’s extremely imposing and has good ball instincts. He creates a lot of pass breakups and turnovers; exactly what the Falcons need across from AJ Terrell.
RAS: 6.05
Round 3, Pick 74: WR Javon Baker — UCF
I think Baker is being heavily underrated in this draft cycle. I was sold on him after watching his performance against Georgia Tech in the Gasparilla Bowl. He has the size and strength to be a difference maker on the outside. His hands and catch radius are very impressive; he’s not going to lose at the point of attack very often. He isn’t a top-notch athlete, but with the speed the Falcons have acquired during the offseason, he could be a guy they grab with a ton of receivers expected to fly off the board early.
RAS: 7.73
Round 3, Pick 79 (from Jacksonville): QB Spencer Rattler — South Carolina
I clocked this right after the Falcons signed Kirk Cousins. It just feels inevitable. Rattler is a very talented project who needs to learn from a professional for probably at least two years. The Falcons need a developmental quarterback on the roster, and they are married to Kirk Cousins for the next two seasons at least. Rattler will make some of the most boneheaded mistakes you will ever see, but he is extremely talented. That cannot be argued. His personality rubbed a lot of people the wrong way early in his career. I don’t know if that’s still the case, but Cousins would be an excellent mentor. If it doesn’t work out, they can move on just like they did with fellow third round pick Desmond Ridder. Rattler has much more upside and is worth the gamble at this point in the draft.
RAS: 4.03
Photographer: Joe Robbins/Icon Sportswire
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