The Falcons need multiple starters in the upcoming draft, and thankfully, there are plenty of insiders who have dubbed this one of the deepest classes in recent memory.

This crop of players is also deep at the exact positions of need for Atlanta. It’s the kind of cycle that could really propel the Falcons into consistent playoff berths as the Michael Penix Jr. era begins.

Unfortunately, the team only owns five picks right now. They can trade down from their first-rounder to collect more draft capital, and there are plenty of prospects to target if the Falcons can collect third- or fourth-round picks, some being Mel Kiper’s favorites.

Offensive tackle: Charles Grant, William & Mary

The Falcons don’t have a clear and obvious need for a tackle, but let’s dig a little deeper. Kaleb McGary’s contract is up after this season, and even if it weren’t, he cannot be Michael Penix’s long-term blindside.

Charles Grant needs time to develop, says Kiper, who also believes he’ll be a third- or fourth-rounder. Additionally, Grant would have to make a move to right tackle as Kiper described the 6-foot-5 and 311-pound monster a “true left tackle.”

Center: Willie Lampkin, North Carolina

While the Falcons believe they have their Drew Dalman replacement in Ryan Nuezil, it wouldn’t hurt to bring in some competition, and Willie Lampkin is projected to go on Day 3. He is undersized at 5-foot-11 and 290 pounds, but he’s a “fierce competitor with a ton of versatility.”

Defensive Tackle: CJ West, Indiana

The Falcons could use a defender at pretty much every position outside of off-ball linebacker, and CJ West fills the void of a space-eating interior defender. Kiper projects West to be available on Day 3 of the draft, and there’s even some pass rush upside:

“I even see some pass-rush upside, though he had just two sacks last season. He ran a solid 4.95 in the 40-yard dash at the combine, so he has the speed to get home on the QB.”

Defensive End: Ashton Gillotte, Louisville

The Falcons might prioritize college production, but sometimes, the diamonds in the rough force teams to go out of their comfort zone. Gillotte could be worth the risk of a third- or fourth-round pick. From Kiper:

“Here’s one of my “Orange Crushers” from the “First Draft” podcast. Gillotte is going to be a good pro. The 6-foot-3 264-pounder displays good bend, strength and a powerful punch when he engages blockers. Plus, he closes fast, showing sustained intensity all the way through the play.”

Outisde Linebacker: David Walker, Central Arkansas

Though he didn’t play for a Power 4 team, Kiper believes the pass rusher could’ve made an impact at that level, evident in his performance at the Senior Bowl. Over three seasons, Walker had 31 sacks and 63 tackles for loss. That’s a lot of production. He gets to the passer because of his “power, leverage, explosion, bend and speed.” Walker is expected to be available as late as Day 3 too.

Cornerback: Upton Stout, Western Kentucky

Though he’s only 5-foot-9 and 181 pounds, Kiper believes he “maximizes his talent, and he’s tough to get off the field because he prepares well and has an impressive skill set.” If the Falcons could find a sixth-round cornerback, that would go a long way in fortifying the defense.

Safety: Andrew Mukuba, Texas

Mukuba definitely won’t make it to Day 3. Kiper believes his size — 5-foot-11 and 186 pounds — won’t limit him, even comparing him to a Hall of Famer.

“He’s a heat-seeking missile from the deep parts of the secondary, using his 4.45 speed to drive top-down and hit ball carriers like a ton of bricks. He lays the wood. There were multiple times when I watched his tape where I found myself wondering where he came from to all of a sudden make a play. He explodes to the football. Mukuba sort of reminds me of Hall of Famer Troy Polamalu in play style.”

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