Blogging Dirty Writers’ 2015 Mock Draft – Round 4

Jarvis Harrison. 107. player. 44. I’ve put off adding talent to the offense for as long as I can, but there’s a potential starting LG for the Falcons in Round 4 that I just can’t pass up. Jarvis Harrison of Texas A&M is a guard prospect with ideal size and unbelievable athleticism. At 6’4, 330 most would slot him in as a power scheme guard, yet Harrison made his living in the zone scheme and looked good doing it. He’s got the foot quickness of a tackle and the lower body of a guard, with good power and solid technique in both run blocking and pass protection. There are concern’s about Harrison’s level of desire and love for the game, but he’s a top talent athletically and would be a steal at this point in the draft.. G. Texas A&M

player. 44. Strong runner with a great physique and build. Falcons fans will have to be patient with him but Johnson has great potential. Added skill as a receiver out of the backfield.. RB. Northern Iowa. David Johnson. 107

44. In round four, I’m looking for the Falcons to add an important piece that can contribute right away and become a starter in the future.  Gabe Wright fits that mold.  He was a durable and successful Defensive Tackle for the Auburn Tigers for 52 games over four years.  Wright has plenty of talent, but has dropped in draft stock due to a decline in production in 2014 and a lack of run stopping ability.  Where Wright really shines, is in his pass rushing ability.  He is quick off the line with a powerful burst, and he can collapse the pocket better than other DT’s his size.  If drafted by the Falcons, Wright could easily replace aging Jonathan Babineaux’s pass rush ability from the interior in the coming years.. DT. Auburn. Gabe Wright. 107. player

Arie Kouandjio. 107. player. 44. A slip into the third day due to medical concerns is possible for the big guard out of Alabama, and it would make Kouandjio a very good value pick in the fourth round. He will hope to have proven to teams that his knee problems are behind him as he’s started 27 straight SEC games. Arie is adept to running a zone blocking scheme from his years under Nick Saban in Alabama, and is an excellent run blocker who knows how to use his hands. Kouandjio also excels in short yardage situations and has become a solid pass blocker over the years as well. If his knee problems are indeed behind him, he’ll be a great day three pick, and someone who will be able to adequately replace Justin Blalock at Guard.. G. Alabama

107. player. 44. I was stuck between Conley and McBride here and overall went with McBride. Conley is a great athlete but I feel that he can’t stay consistently good. McBride however, produced 60 catches (against smaller schools yes) and 800 yards a pop.  He also destroyed every corner he went up against in the East-West Shrine game and has good size to at the very least be our Harry Douglas.  McBride may need seasoning but, he could easily be a homerun hitter for us in the 4th.. WR. William & Mary. Tre McBride

107. player. 44. Round 4 still offers plenty of value. I have the Falcons looking for help along the offensive line since they cut bait with Justin Blalock during the offseason. I have them selecting Mitch Morse 6-5 306 pound offensive lineman from the University of Missouri. This guy is perfect for Coach Shanahan zone blocking scheme because he moves well and he is very strong as he demonstrated by putting up 36 reps on the bench press at the NFL combine. He could help bring some instant stability to the offensive line for years to come.. G. Missouri. Mitch Morse

Syracuse. Durell Eskridge. 107. player. 44. Now it gets fun, and likely even more inaccurate. In the fourth round the Falcons could still probably go best player available, but would be wise to address some holes in the roster. As such, I’ll sink another pick into the defense and select S Durrel Eskridge from Syracuse. Eskridge has great size for a free safety, and still has room to add muscle to an already tall frame. He’s decent against the run, and not afraid to tackle, although he isn’t ever going to be a top tier athlete at the safety position. Eskridge led Syracuse in tackles (78) and interceptions (4) last season, and is fluid in coverage. With the size and smarts to be a solid starting calibre safety with the right coaching, the Falcons should pursue him in the fourth.. S

Davis can be the power complement to Devonta Freeman and Antone Smith. He’s a no-nonsense downhill runner who should be a good fit in a zone blocking scheme due to his burst, vision and decisiveness. He also has very good hands which meshes well with the other running backs on the team. If there is something to work on, it is his body composition as he didn’t look as lean this year as he did in 2013. If he can get back to that, he can show the NFL how electric he can be in the open field and the second level.. RB. South Carolina. Mike Davis. 107. player. 44

Oregon State. Steven Nelson. 107. player. 44. The NFL is a passing league, so you need talented cornerbacks and plenty of ’em. With Desmond Trufant being joined by second-round pick Kevin Johnson, Steven Nelson out of Oregon State can throw himself into the mix with the Falcons’ fourth round pick. The Falcons need some aggression, and they would get that from Nelson. He is a strong, physical tackler who will fight to the end. With Atlanta looking to lift themselves off the bottom of the passing defense rankings, they can add great depth to their secondary with Nelson. He has a lot of potential, and with the right development in Dan Quinn’s defense, can shine in Atlanta.. CB

Minnesota. David Cobb. 107. player. 44. Consecutive pick to add talent to the offensive skill positions. Steven Jackson was cut after last season and despite his low production, there is now a need at the running back position. The switch to a zone-blocking scheme with Kyle Shanahan’s hiring gives an idea where the team running game is heading. Although Devonta Freeman is a perfect fit in a ZBS, he needs help with an efficient backup. The Falcons need to find a bruising, powerful running back to complement Freeman for 3rd down and goaline situations. David Cobb could be that guy in the 4th round. The Minnesota alumnus is not only quick and dynamic, his opponents found at their expense he is tough to bring down after the first contact. It would create a versatile and dangerous 1-2 punch, with Antone Smith as an explosive weapon to change the pace.. RB