Atlanta Falcons select linebacker De’Vondre Campbell in fourth round of 2016 NFL Draft
The Atlanta Falcons continue to focus on defense in the fourth round, selecting linebacker De’Vondre Campbell out of Minnesota.
The Atlanta Falcons continue to get more athletic on defense with the selection of De’Vondre Campbell out of Minnesota. Campbell is an explosive player and will be another piece to a rebuilding defensive unit.
Here’s what NFL.com draft analyst Lance Zierlein had to say about the prospect:
"“Campbell has an Academic All-Big Ten under his belt, but the classroom smarts don’t always translate into onfield instincts for the linebacker. While Campbell has terrific size and NFL-caliber athleticism, his inability to consistently perform his assignments as a second level linebacker could make him a project.”"
This selection follows first-round pick Keanu Neal, a safety out of Florida. Neal is a violent hitter who does his best work in the box. He will offer plenty as a run-stuffer and can be an enforcer in the defensive backfield. Dan Quinn has been searching for his Kam Chancellor on defense for Atlanta, and Neal can be the guy to do just that.
In Round 2, the Falcons traded back two spots with the Houston Texans to grab linebacker Deion Jones out of LSU. Jones adds some much needed speed on defense, and he can drop in coverage and make plays on the football. This is an area the Falcons needed to get better in, and they have. Two smart picks made by the Falcons.
The third selection was tight end Austin Hooper out of Stanford. It’s hoped Hooper can become the big-time mismatch in the passing game the Falcons have missed since Tony Gonzalez. He can attack the middle of the field as a receiver.
It’s been a busy offseason for the Falcons so far. We’ve already seen center Alex Mack, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu, defensive lineman Derrick Shelby and linebackers Courtney Upshaw and Sean Weatherspoon come to town. The roster is getting stronger.
What are your thoughts on the pick?