Most of the noise surrounding the Falcons‘ draft plans center around what the team will do at the 8th overall pick, but the only way to build a consistent winning program is hitting on Day 2 and 3 prospects as well.
So far, Atlanta hasn’t hit any home runs in the second round, but Richie Grant is primed to take a significant step forward in 2023, while Arnold Ebiketie and Troy Andersen will have bigger roles in their second seasons. Terry Fontenot did find a gem in the fifth round in Tyler Allgeier, and Ta’Quon Graham had an impressive sophomore campaign.
This cycle’s Day 2 and 3 potential targets are intriguing, and Pro Football Focus’s best fit for the Falcons is an exciting prospect.
ATLANTA FALCONS: GÂ CODY MAUCH, NORTH DAKOTA STATE
The most athletic interior offensive lineman in the class makes too much sense for an offensive line that gets on the move more in the run game than any other in the league. Mauch would be incredible at hawking linebackers at left guard, and well worth the No. 44 pick.
Last offseason, I was shouting from the rooftops for the Falcons to draft Quinn Meinerz, who is a similarly menacing offensive line prospect as Cody Mauch. The North Dakota State product played tackle in college but projects as an interior player in the NFL, considering his shorter-than-ideal arms.
Thankfully, the Falcons have a need at left guard. He took plenty of snaps at the Reese’s Senior Bowl and looked great. He’s a physical and athletic blocker that would thrive in Atlanta’s heavy zone rushing attack.
As a former high school tight end, Mauch possesses the mobility to play guard in Arthur Smith’s offense. He’s a quintessential offensive line prospect and fits the mold of what the Falcons want in their linemen — mean and athletic. PFF is right; it’s a seamless fit.
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Photographer: Christopher Hook/Icon Sportswire
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