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Falcons 2016 Draft: Draft options to fix the need at linebacker

By Freddie Boston

Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 28, 2015; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Deion Jones (45) tackles Texas A&M Aggies running back James White (20) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Texas A&M Aggies 19-7. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) is sacked by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Blake Martinez (4) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 18, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; Arizona State Sun Devils quarterback Mike Bercovici (2) is sacked by Stanford Cardinal linebacker Blake Martinez (4) during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4-7 options

Finding their man on day three could be challenging for the Falcons without a fifth and sixth round pick. They would need to find a player in the fourth-round or hope a talent slips under the radar all the way to the seventh. Here’s some options they have.

The best fit: Blake Martinez, Stanford

Martinez has good length and athleticism, and he has the agility to hold up in coverage. He offers more as a coverage linebacker than a run-stuffer which might be of interest to the Falcons.

This is where it gets interesting: Martinez has been tipped by many as a fifth-round prospect. Of course, the Falcons don’t own a fifth-rounder, so maybe they would look to trade down, acquire an extra pick or two and grab their target.

Alternative target: Scooby Wright III, Arizona

If Scooby Wright III falls to the fourth, he could give the Falcons an interesting option. Wright relies on his great instincts, football IQ and competitiveness over athleticism and speed. Unlikely to be a star player, but can be a strong player in the right defense.

Next: Five mid-to-late draft targets for Falcons

Other options: Jared Norris, Luke Rhodes, Josh Forrest