10 Players the Atlanta Falcons Should Consider in the 2nd Round

Eli Harold – Edge – Virginia

Oct 19, 2013; Charlottesville, VA, USA; Duke Blue Devils quarterback Anthony Boone (7) prepares to throw the ball as Virginia Cavaliers defensive end Eli Harold (7) chases in the fourth quarter at Scott Stadium. The Blue Devils won 35-22. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Despite the acquisition of Vic Beasley, the Atlanta Falcons would love to strengthen their pass rush even further. Eli Harold excelled in college as a hand-in-the-ground DE, and has a good mixture of speed and pass rushing moves to be a factor on defense. He would need to add some bulk and strength in the pros, but Harold has a knack for disrupting the play, indicated by his 29.5 tackles for loss between 2013-14. It’s unclear how the Falcons would balance the playing time of both Harold and Beasley, but should the Falcons go with the former Virginia Cavalier they would likely opt to use him in the LEO role on third down and shift Beasley inside.

Knowing Dimitroff’s history of addressing a multitude of needs in the draft, it’s possible the Falcons pass on Harold, but his ability to disrupt the quarterback would be a welcome addition to a team that needs as much help as it can get in the pass rush department.