Blogging Dirty
FanSided

Atlanta Falcons: Three first-round options in 2016 NFL Draft

By Freddie Boston

Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee gestures to the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 12, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee gestures to the crowd in the fourth quarter against the Oregon Ducks in the 2015 CFP National Championship Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 11, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Shaq Lawson (90) reacts during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers in the 2016 CFP National Championship at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

The Falcons need to upgrade the pass rush. A failure to do so will put a ceiling on how far the defense can go. In the NFL, you need a passer, pass protector, pass rusher and pass defender. Atlanta has Vic Beasley entering year two, but he needs help.

At No. 17, Shaq Lawson could come into play. Just like last year, the Falcons could opt to take a pass rusher out of Clemson. Lawson is tough to cover and could give the pass rush a major jolt. His ability to make plays in the passing game other than simply getting after the quarterback is impressive, and he knows how to find the passer too.

The 6-foot-3, 269-pounder is a versatile player. Unlike Beasley, who was projected by many to fit best at outside linebacker in a 3-4, Lawson will appeal to any defense, including Dan Quinn’s 4-3.

With his power, Lawson would be an immediate upgrade at defensive end for the Falcons. He could help against the run and pass from day one, and importantly would give Beasley a dance partner to get after the quarterback, which the Falcons couldn’t do in 2015.

Next: A rising prospect