Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft – Blogging Dirty Writers – Round 3

Arizona State. Damarious Randall. 73. player. 44. The Falcons addressed two big needs on defense in Rounds 1 and 2. Why not continue that trend in the 3rd? FS Damarious Randall out of Arizona State is an ideal center-fielder in Dan Quinn’s defense. He is excellent in coverage, with solid tackling ability and great ballhawking traits. He’s a little undersized for the position, which is why he’ll be used primarily in an Earl Thomas role on the Falcons defense. Randall has all the traits of a good FS in the NFL, and should thrive in Dan Quinn’s defense in a season or two.. FS

A massive wrecking ball who can be an asset in the zone blocking scheme. Jackson is able to drive through opponents with his massive frame. Good strength.. G. Florida State. Tre' Jackson. 73. player. 44

73. player. 44. From here on out, things become harder to predict.  I’m going with what could be one of the better players available by round 3.  Even though this year features a weak TE class, Walford is a fantastic athlete finishing near the top for TE’s in several Scouting Combine events.  He has already proven to be an excellent blocker at Miami, and coming in at 6’4” with 34” arms, he can turn into a difference maker in the pass game as well.  Clive Walford is a TE that can stay on the field for any down due to his blocking ability, and he has the potential to become the feature TE we have been missing since Tony Gonzalez’s retirement.. TE. Miami (FL). Clive Walford

44. In the first two rounds I have the Falcons addressing immediate needs with the pass rush and at tight end, here I have Atlanta going for some secondary help in the form of Alex Carter. This is one of the most physical corners in the draft, and someone who is not afraid to make a big hit in an attempt to keep the opposing receiver from making a catch. He has good size and is long enough to match up against tall receivers (something needed in the NFC South against the likes of Kelvin Benjamin, Mike Evans, Vincent Jackson ect.). Carter is best suited in a cover 3 zone scheme, a defense which Dan Quinn likes to run, and he would give Atlanta an option to effectively dial up press coverage. If he adds some weight, a move to safety could also be a possibility.. CB. Stanford. Alex' Carter. 73. player

Ali Marpet. 73. player. 44. The chance for Marpet to be taken before this pick is very real with my own previous mock draft being in round 2.  However, small school guys aren’t usually selected that high mainly because lack of game film and pedigree.  Marpet is a very nimble 307 that is tailor made for a ZBS system.  It will be risky to believe of having two young players on the line but Marpet is a 10 year guy.  Plug in and watch him blossom.. C/G. Hobart

44. Coach Quinn recognizes the defense needs help but he also knows the offense needs a good ground game. Devonte Freeman and Antone Smith need a big back to complement their skills. Jeremy Langford is the pick here; he has nice size at 6’0, 210 pounds. He has great speed; he ran the fastest time at the combine for running backs (4.42) and follows his blockers well. He has a great stiff arm that helps him elude tacklers but needs to learn to keep his legs moving to gain extra yards or break tackles. He could be an excellent addition to the Falcons offense.. RB. Michigan State. Jeremy Langford. 73. player

DE. Utah. Nate Orchard. 73. player. 44. Again, this pick is informed greatly by who isn’t left on the board, rather than who is. If RB Jay Ajayi slips into the third round, the Falcons would be wise to pounce on him, even if it means trading up a few places. If not, and having gone DE and LG with my previous two picks, I’d love the Falcons to pursue Utah DE Nate Orchard. While he can be washed out against the run, Orchard offers a real passing down threat from the edge, possessing quickness and a good array of moves to get at the quarterback. Likely a situational pass rusher during his early pro seasons, Orchard might not be ready for day one action, but his ceiling in the third round at a position of need would be a god send for Atlanta.

player. 44. Marpet introduced himself to the world at the senior bowl and blew away the field at the combine. He is very athletic, which was demonstrated with elite scores across all speed, agility, explosion and strength drills. To get noticed if you’re from a small school, it’s imperative you dominate your opponents every week and that is exactly what Marpet did which led him to the DIII offensive player of the year award. At the senior bowl, he showed he belonged with an impressive week of practices followed by the game where he comfortably handled both powerful and quick defensive tackles. The Falcons’ current left guard situation is not good but Marpet can be a building block.. C/G. Hobart. Ali Marpet. 73

44. With Thomas Dimitroff addressing two areas of need in the opening two rounds, he can turn his attention to the deep class of running backs this draft has to offer. Out of Nebraska is the multi-talented Ameer Abdullah. Abdullah would provide the Falcons’ backfield with a spark. He is quick, tough to tackle and makes yards after initial contact. Abdullah is a smart player and would be a good compliment to Devonta Freeman in the backfield. Not only is he an effective runner, you can line him up outside as a receiver and also use him for kickoff returns. Abdullah has all the tools to become a steal in the third round.. RB. Nebraska. Ameer Abdullah. 73. player

After having addressed two crucial defensive needs, it is time to improve the offensive side of the ball. The offense put great numbers last year despite a disappointing record. However, a few holes exist at the running back, wide receiver and tight end positions. They have to be filled as soon as possible if the offense wants to stay the motor of the team. If the pick was solely depending on me, I would choose the best prospect available at these positions. I feel adding a wide receiver is more important than a running back. Julio Jones needs a help on the outside for the future. Roddy White is dangerously aging and the other receivers on the roster don’t provide this help. Tre McBride seems to be a great option. He combines size, speed, athleticism and ball skills, which is the recipe of success in today’s NFL. Although, if a top-tier running back falls on Draft Day, snatching him in the 3rd round would be a (really) wise choice.. WR. William & Mary. Tre McBride. 73. player. 44