Round 1, Pick 26: Maurice Hurst, DT/DE, Michigan
Several experts have coined Hurst as one of the steals of the NFL draft. The Falcons have shown no problem since the arrival of Dan Quinn in selecting the player they believe fits best in their scheme. Hurst is a big athlete that can play on the inside or the outside. His quickness off the ball and speed allowed him to constantly disrupt backfields during his time at Michigan. This would be a nice pick for Atlanta, especially if many of the top d-line prospects are off the board by the time they select at pick 26.
Round 2, Pick 58: Billy Price, C/G, Ohio State
Price looked like a candidate to be taken in the first round when the draft process initially started, but after tearing his pectoral muscle at the combine he has continued to slide. There is no doubt he is one of the most talented offensive lineman in this draft class and certainly carries the hard-nosed attitude that resides in many of the recent Falcons drafted. Offensive guard is the one weak spot on the Atlanta offense, and while Brandon Fusco may serve as a stop gap guard, Price will be able to take the reigns once he is healthy. This could be a huge steal if Price is still available.
Round 3, Pick 90: Duke Dawson, CB, FloridaÂ
The cornerback position is pretty locked up on the outside with Trufant and Alford, but a true slot corner with coverage skills was lacking last season. Enter Duke Dawson, who looks like he is tailor-made to be a nickel cornerback in this league. He possesses fantastic coverage skills, football instincts and has the speed to cover quick receivers out of the slot. His tape shows he is not afraid to stick his nose in the fire and make plays in the run game either. Dawson, who is also from Florida, is a lot like Brian Poole, but with better coverage skills.
Round 4, Pick 126: Royce Freeman, RB, Oregon
Royce Freeman was an absolute stud for Oregon from the first moment he stepped on the field. He started 11 games as a freshman and was named Offensive rookie of the year. Freeman is thick, powerful, misses tackles and has the speed to be a terrific starter in the NFL eventually. It is no secret the Falcons do not need a running back heading into next season, but with so much money invested in Devonta Freeman it should not be surprising if Tevin Coleman is elsewhere in 2019. If this is the front office’s plan, A Freeman duo could be an option if he is around at this pick.
Round 6, Pick 186: Mike Ramsay, DT, DukeÂ
Mike Ramsay’s name has started to gain some traction following his Pro Day at Duke and for good reason. The 6′ 2″, 300-pound defensive tackle showcased his incredible size and speed, posting a 4.89 40-yard dash and recording 31 reps on the bench press. These are numbers you cannot find in the top defensive line prospects in this draft and Ramsay could be a nice under the radar snag for whoever drafts him. Former Falcon and defensive line trainer, Chuck Smith, has put his stamp of approval on Ramsay, stating he believes the Duke star will eventually be a starter in the NFL.