Atlanta Falcons: Players to watch on Day 1 of the 2016 NFL Combine

Centers

Anyone who spent time watching the Falcons in 2015 could see that the center position was a giant liability. Not because of poor blocking (Mike Person was actually solid in that regard), but due to poor snapping and line calls. The cause of this can be boiled down to a simple fact: Mike Person had never played center before and lacked the knowledge to execute the position at an NFL-level.

There are several prospects the Falcons may look at to bring an experienced and athletic presence to the center position. Here are some that I like:

Ryan Kelly, Alabama – certainly the biggest name on this list, Kelly is an ideal C for Shanahan’s scheme. He possesses ideal traits in both power and athleticism, with a prototypical body type to boot. Kelly was a three-year starter at Alabama and a leader of that team. He’s the type of player that can anchor an offensive line for a decade, and could be our new Todd McClure. His price will be high though: when all is said and done, the Falcons might have to use their second-round pick to get him.

Max Tuerk, USC – this is a player that had a ton of hype coming into the year as perhaps the top C in the class. A season-ending injury derailed that hype train, but Tuerk is still perhaps the most athletic interior lineman available. He’s an elite player in space and has the toughness and experience to slot right in and start. The injury may scare some teams off and allow the Falcons to get Tuerk at a discount, perhaps in the 3-5 round range.

Nick Martin, Notre Dame – a versatile player that impressed during all-star games this offseason, Martin is a physical player that was once a tremendous athlete. A knee injury sapped some of that, but he’s still a technically proficient player that is exceptional in pass protection. Martin possesses the leadership and football IQ needed to be an NFL center, but he doesn’t quite have the ceiling of Kelly or Tuerk. Could also be had in the 3-5 round range.

Austin Blythe, Iowa – if the Falcons are forced to roll with Gradkowski for another season, a developmental prospect like Blythe could be an option late in the draft. Blythe has exceptional athleticism and durability, having started every game during his four years at Iowa. He’s a technically sound player that was a rock in the center of the line. The concern is with his size: at 6’2, 291, he’s definitely on the small side. With an offseason in an NFL weight room, however, Blythe could be a contributor in year 2.

Up next, let’s take a look at a few guards the Falcons might also be eyeing in the 2016 draft class.

Next: Guards