Atlanta Falcons: Post Senior Bowl practice notes
Practice for the Senior Bowl is now complete and Atlanta Falcons’ head coach Dan Quinn as well as GM Thomas Dimitroff were locked in on potential targets and developed insight on a few players here and there that may have intrigued them. Going into the practice, it has been already confirmed that key positions such as defensive end, wide receiver, and safety were to be closely monitored by DQ and Dimitroff. While carefully observing the practices, I have a few Falcons/Senior Bowl practice notes to be mindful of.
Noah Spence Climbs The Draft Boards
The former Ohio State Buckeye defensive end grabbed Senior Bowl week by the horns and refused to let go. Spence was absolutely impressive as he showed consistent bend around the edge, solid NFL size, and the ability to rush from left & right defensive end. At 6-3 260 lbs, the talent of Spence was evident prior to Senior Bowl and his outstanding practice week only solidified it. His biggest red flag was his off the field issue with failed drug tests that got him suspended from Ohio State in 2014 which landed him at Eastern Kentucky. With this solid week of practice and a solid outing at the Combine, Spence has an opportunity to clean the mess and land safely in the first round. A possible choice for Atlanta at 17.
Braxton Miller Turns Heads
We reported that Braxton Miller made contact with Quinn and Dimitroff as the team kept eyes on the talented player. Miller made the move prior to Ohio State’s 2015 season to wide receiver as he spent all of his career up to that point as a quarterback. Buckeyes coach Urban Meyer may have sparked Miller’s NFL career. The move allowed Miller to get a full season as a wide out and he showed flashes which was also seen at Senior Bowl practice. Miller spent time this week in the slot and on the boundary showing his ability to beat jams, expand his route tree, display impressive NFL size at 6’1 204 lbs.
Ragland Shows Off His Skills
Alabama LB Reggie Ragland has already stabilized his ability to be an asset at middle linebacker. What he did during this week of practice was show his ability in the midst of scouts, coaches, evaluators, and viewers that he can be an option at strong-side linebacker as well as put his hand in the ground and rush the passer. That showing from the defender may have helped his case as a top 15 pick.
Several Safety Products On Display
The week of practice allowed DQ and TD a chance to view some safety prospects that could very well be calling Atlanta home come draft time. West Virginia KJ Dillon, Boise State Darian Thompson, Ohio State Tyvis Powell, Middle Tennessee Kevin Byard, and LSU Jalen Mills all showed that they could add some needed talent to the Falcons defense.
Possible Protection For Matt Ryan
The holes on the offensive line for the Falcons (Guard, Center) were also on display this week. Notable players to keep an eye on are Kansas State Cody Whitehair, Michigan Graham Glasgow, and Michigan State Jack Allen all proved that the offensive line is a definite consideration in the draft for Atlanta. With only five picks, a position or two may not get addressed in the draft. There’s still a possibility that Atlanta could use free agency to fill the holes.