Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 1.0

Who are the NFL draft experts projecting to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round?

Who could the Atlanta Falcons take in the first round? Here’s our first roundup from the internet looking at who the experts project to the Falcons with the 17th overall pick.

Brady Lunt of NFL Mocks – DE Noah Spence

Noah Spence could be the best pass rusher in this year’s draft class, so this move would make a lot of sense for the Falcons. Pairing Spence with Vic Beasley could help transform an Atlanta pass rush that put together just 19 sacks in total last term. I like this pick by Brady Lunt of NFL Mocks a lot.

Matt Miller of Bleacher Report – LB Reggie Ragland

Reggie Ragland is one of my favorite players in this year’s class, and I like Matt Miller’s projection here. Ragland would be an excellent first round selection for the Falcons. He could immediately help against the run, but Ragland can also get after the quarterback. He would help shore up the middle of the Falcons’ defense.

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com – DT Sheldon Rankins

After a strong Senior Bowl, Charlie Campbell of Walter Football believes the Falcons could turn to defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. Rankins can do a lot at an interior spot along the defensive line. He has been a productive pass rusher and could help bolster the Falcons’ front-seven.

NFL.com mock draft

Chad Reuter: DE Kevin Dodd
Lance Zierlein: DE Shaq Lawson
Bucky Brooks: LB Jaylon Smith
Daniel Jeremiah: LB Reggie Ragland

Notice a trend here? Everybody has the Falcons addressing either defensive end or one linebacker. The Falcons’ biggest needs are at these spots, and either of the four players mentioned above would make a lot of sense.

Next: Atlanta Falcons: Five players that still need to get cut

Ragland would be an excellent pick, and the pass-rush potential of Kevin Dodd and Shaq Lawson would also help the defense. Jaylon Smith is the biggest risk due to the torn ACL and MCL he suffered, putting his 2016 in doubt.