Atlanta Falcons Draft Spotlight: FS Damarious Randall
By Kevin Knight
Nov 22, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Damarious Randall (3) intercepts a pass intended for Washington State Cougars wide receiver Robert Lewis (15) in the first quarter at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Talented prospect
Overall, Randall is a good candidate to play the single-high free safety in the Falcons revamped defense.
Nov 28, 2014; Tucson, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils defensive back Damarious Randall (3) reacts against the Arizona Wildcats during the 88th annual territorial cup at Arizona Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
He will need time to further develop his coverage chops and instincts, but he’s an athletic player that you can trust as the last line of defense.
Randall is an enforcer in the secondary that is capable of assisting in run support and as an extra blitzer, and can contribute immediately on special teams.
Randall is currently projected to go around the beginning of the third-round, which would align nicely with the Falcons’ draft position
Taking Randall in the third would allow the Falcons to address a more pressing need in the second, like left guard or inside linebacker
For what it’s worth, the Falcons have shown interest in Randall and have scheduled him for a private workout:
Where's Damarious Randall tonight? Cleveland. He's meeting with the #Browns and then the Eagles, Vikings, Giants, Cowboys, Falcons and Lions
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout) April 1, 2015
It’s clear that the Falcons will be looking to add secondary depth, particularly at the free safety position. Damarious Randall could be a perfect fit to fill the “Earl Thomas” role on Quinn’s new defense, provided the Falcons are willing to give him a season or two to develop.
If the Falcons believe they can squeeze a season of starter-quality play out of Charles Godfrey, there might not be a better developmental prospect at the free safety position in the 2015 NFL Draft than Randall.
What do you think about Randall? Would you like to see the Falcons draft him with their third-round pick? Is there another FS prospect out there that you think is a better fit in Quinn’s defense?
Next: Atlanta Falcons Seven-Round Mock Draft