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Atlanta Falcons: Full 2016 seven-round mock draft

By Freddie Boston

Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) during the game against the Michigan State Spartans in the 2015 Cotton Bowl at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defats Illinois 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Champaign, IL, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes tight end Nick Vannett (81) makes a catch against Illinois Fighting Illini defensive back Taylor Barton (3) during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. Ohio State defats Illinois 28-3. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 3: TE Nick Vannett, Ohio State

Jacob Tamme became a reliable target for Matt Ryan in the passing game, but the Falcons need to continue to add weapons for Ryan to throw the football to. Tight end Nick Varnett could become a security blanket for Ryan.

Varnett has good size at 6-foot-5, 256 pounds and has the athleticism to become an immediate contributor as a receiver. He has the size the cause some mismatches with defenders. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein believes Varnett can be a talented pass-catcher at the NFL level:

"“Lined up wide, in slot and as both move and in­line tight end. Finds his place against zone and works himself into open, easy throws for quarterbacks on the move.”"

The Falcons need to find a No. 2 receiver for Ryan. Julio Jones was asked to do too much in 2015 with Roddy White’s production declining and Leonard Hankerson unable to stay healthy. There will be plenty of options at the position in free agency.

It’s possible Atlanta draft a receiver at some point, but Varnett felt like a good fit with this pick. It’s all about stocking up on talent who can help the passing game, and Varnett could help the unit in a number of ways.

Next: Round 4