Atlanta Falcons: Three risky moves Falcons could make in 2016 NFL Draft

DE Noah Spence, Eastern Kentucky

On talent alone, Noah Spence would be a surefire top-ten pick. Spence is arguably the best pure pass rusher the rookie class has to offer, right up there with Ohio State’s Joey Bosa.

But Spence has a major red flag next to his name that hurts his draft stock. Multiple failed drug tests led to his dismissal from Ohio State and puts a dark cloud over his future in the NFL. Can he put his drug history behind him or will it become an issue in the NFL? For every Tyrann Mathieu there is a Johnny Manziel.

Spence certainly looks to have made positive steps. He decided to transfer to Eastern Kentucky for his final year, and was unhappy that he wasn’t drug tested more often — that’s how much he wanted to prove he was clean.

If he can turn the corner, the Falcons would get a serious upgrade to a pass rush that posted an anaemic 19 sacks in 2015. With Spence and Vic Beasley rushing off the edge, quarterbacks might finally be forced to get off the lounge chair when playing Atlanta.

On talent alone, Spence would be a no-brainer. But would the Falcons take the risk?

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