Mock draft roundup: Atlanta Falcons go defense early
Oct 25, 2014; Lexington, KY, USA; Kentucky Wildcats defensive end Alvin Dupree (2) and cornerback Cody Quinn (16) tackle Mississippi State Bulldogs wide receiver De
Walter Cherepinsky of WalterFootball.com
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The pick — DE Alvin Dupree, Kentucky
Like three of the mock drafts by the NFL.com experts, Cherepinsky’s latest mock sees Fowler, Beasley and Ray all taken before the Falcons hit clock.
Despite that, he still believes the Falcons will pick up a pass-rusher in Dupree.
Cherepinsky writes:
"“The run on edge rushers continues, which is predictable, but some might be surprised by Alvin Dupree over Randy Gregory. After all, Gregory was a popular top-three pick in 2015 NFL Mock Drafts prior to the NFL Combine, so how could he slip past the Falcons, who are desperate for a pass-rusher? Well, Gregory had a poor showing at the NFL Combine, for one. Gregory then tested positive for marijuana, making things worse. There’s also his weight loss, and something else that the media is unaware of (but teams are). Dupree, meanwhile, has enjoyed an exceptional draft season. He’s also exactly what Atlanta is looking for in terms of an explosive defensive player.”"
Taking Dupree would make a lot of sense.
He is a great athlete and has the potential to become a star. Some believe he will fall much later in the first-round, and the Falcons could look to trade down for him if this appears to be the case.
With some development under Dan Quinn, Dupree could be one of the top pass-rushers to come out this year’s draft, and the Falcons’ defense is crying out for a player with his talent and potential.
Next: Rang, Brugler, Prisco & Brinson of CBS Sports