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Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 2.0

By Freddie Boston

Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who will the Atlanta Falcons take at No. 17 in the 2016 NFL Draft? Here’s the latest mock draft roundup.

The Atlanta Falcons won’t be picking from No. 8 again this year which would open up many possibilities, but they will have plenty of options at No. 17. I’ve looked around the internet and grabbed some of the biggest mock drafts to see who the experts are projecting to Atlanta.

Let’s take a look around at some of the picks.

Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks — WR Corey Coleman

Most people don’t see the Falcons taking a wideout in the first round, and I agree. It’s hard to imagine it happening, but if it does Corey Coleman would be a great fit. There’s a lot to love about Coleman’s game – he’s fast, got a great catching radius and can burn teams after the catch. The prospect of him lining up opposite Julio Jones is incredibly exciting. Completely understand Lambert’s pick although I don’t think Dan Quinn will share the view.

Chris Roling of Bleacher Report — LB Darron Lee

It’s no secret Quinn wants to continue adding speed on defense, and Darron Lee would provide that at linebacker. He’s an incredible athlete with great quickness, which is a rare combination in the NFL. That alone makes him an intriguing prospect, but in Quinn’s defense he could flourish.

READ MORE: Falcons mock draft roundup 1.0

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com — DE Emmanuel Ogbah

More important than anything right now for Atlanta is to generate some pass rush. After posting just 19 sacks in 2015 – an NFL worst – the Falcons could boost the unit with defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah. Would make sense at No. 17.

NFL.com mock draft

Bucky Brooks: LB Darron Lee
Charles Davis: LB Reggie Ragland
Lance Zierlein: DE Shaq Lawson

Any of these picks would make sense, as they both fill the Falcons’ biggest positions of need. As previously mentioned, Lee would add speed and athleticism on defense. Shaq Lawson would also give Atlanta’s pass rush an upgrade.

Next: Best under-30 players for each NFL team

Reggie Ragland might be the pick of the bunch. He’s an old-school, thumping linebacker who could instantly help the run defense. What makes him so special is his pass-rushing ability. The Falcons need upgrades at linebacker, and Ragland might be the best defensive player available if he’s there at N0. 17.

What are your thoughts on these picks, Falcons fans?