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Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 4.0

By Freddie Boston

Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) warms up prior to facing the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2015; Waco, TX, USA; Baylor Bears wide receiver Corey Coleman (1) warms up prior to facing the Oklahoma Sooners at McLane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /
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Who do the NFL draft analysts project to the Atlanta Falcons in their recent mock drafts?

With the exception of the bargain deal moves that will continue to flow over the coming weeks, free agency is over. This means the attention turns fully to Chicago for the 2016 NFL Draft. It’s an important one for the Atlanta Falcons who have a number of needs to fill, particularly on the defensive side of the ball.

The Falcons made a splash in free agency by signing center Alex Mack, wide receiver Mohamed Sanu and defensive end Derrick Shelby. Who could they take at No. 17 in April? Here’s the latest mock draft roundup.

Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks — WR Corey Coleman, Baylor

The signing of Sanu makes this one harder to believe, but I have a draft crush on Corey Coleman and would love to see him in Atlanta. He’s a playmaker who can lineup outside or in the slot and uses his lightning speed and top athleticism to beat defenders. With Coleman and Julio Jones working together, the Falcons would own one of the best wide receiver corps in the league.

Coleman would be a great get for the Falcons, but it would also make you wonder why money was spent on Sanu.

Ryan McCrystal of Bleacher Report — OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State

Darron Lee has been flying up draft boards over the past month, and he could be the coverage linebacker the Falcons need. He has the speed to chase sideline to sideline and make plays on the ball in coverage. Lee is one of the best linebackers in the draft and would make sense at No. 17.

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com — DE Jonathan Bullard, Florida

Atlanta finished last in the league for sacks last term with just 19. That needs to change. How about defensive end Jonathan Bullard out of Florida? Charlie Campbell has picked him in his latest mock draft, and the move wouldn’t be a surprising one by the Falcons.

NFL.com mock draft

Bucky Brooks: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Daniel Jeremiah: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Lance Zierlein: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Charles Davis: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Chad Reuter: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State

Lee gets some more love here, as does inside linebacker Reggie Ragland. Ragland is arguably the best inside linebacker prospect who will likely still be on the board at No. 17, but I’m not sure he can help out in coverage as much as the Falcons need. Ragland is a thumper who would help against the run, but his speed and coverage abilities have been called into question. He just doesn’t feel like a Dan Quinn player.

CBSSports.com mock draft

Rob Rang: DT Sheldon Rankins, Louisville
Dane Brugler: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Pete Prisco: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Will Brinson: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Jared Dubin: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Shaq Lawson could be the second Clemson pass rusher to be selected by Atlanta in the first round in the past two years, and he is one of the top candidates. Sheldon Rankins has the look of a dominant interior lineman, and maybe the Falcons feel taking the best player on the board would make more sense than taking an edge rusher. If Rankins is graded higher, take him.

What are your thoughts on these picks, Falcons fans?

Next: Best under-30 players for each NFL team

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