Defense, defense, defense — that’s all Falcons fans want to see from any NFL mock drafts. In his latest mock, the godfather of mock drafts, Mel Kiper, was split on who the Falcons should select.
Who should the Falcons draft: Mike Green or Jihaad Campbell
Kiper went with Green, the edge rusher, instead of Campbell, who is an off-ball linebacker. It’s not hard to imagine his reasoning:
“I changed this pick at the last minute. The idea of Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell in the middle of the defense intrigued me, but the Falcons’ need for edge rushers is too big to ignore. So, I gave them Green, who led the nation in sacks last season (17). He can win with speed or power through various pass-rush moves. The Falcons ranked 31st in sacks a season ago (31) and finished in the bottom seven in pass rush win rate for the fourth straight campaign (34.1%),” Kiper writes.
It’s hard to argue the logic. Even more, the Falcons have three starting-caliber linebackers. Kaden Elliss and Troy Andersen return, with Divine Deablo joining the unit via a two-year, $14 million free agent deal. Campbell would certainly bring an element to the linebacking core that isn’t there, more of what Andersen is — a freak athlete who can do everything.
However, that would be bolstering a position that already has multiple capable bodies. I have to think the Falcons would prioritize the edge position, even after the Leonard Floyd signing. The search for a consistent double-digit sack pass rusher should continue until it’s solved, and then the search for another should ensue.
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Photographer: Lee Coleman/Icon Sportswire
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