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

By Freddie Boston

Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Noah Spence speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Eastern Kentucky defensive lineman Noah Spence speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 26, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Notre Dame linebacker Jaylon Smith speaks to the media during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

OLB Jaylon Smith, Notre Dame

Someone is going to draft Jaylon Smith. The question is when.

Smith was touted as a top-15 prospect before suffering a devastating knee injury in January’s Fiesta Bowl. A torn ACL and LCL and feared nerve damage not only puts his rookie season in doubt, but his entire career. Even if the Notre Dame product returns, will he be able to perform at the same level?

NFL draft analyst Tony Pauline believes Smith could fall into the draft’s final day, but considering Atlanta doesn’t own a fifth or sixth round pick, Smith would likely need to be a fourth-rounder in such a scenario.

With so many needs across the board, could Dan Quinn risk selecting a player who might not be available until 2017 at the earliest? The upside is huge, with Smith having the potential to become a star in the NFL. The downside? He never suits up in the NFL or fails to reach the levels expected of him due to his significant injury.

It’s difficult to see Atlanta having the luxury of spending a pick on him, but if the medical checks have a positive outlook, Thomas Dimitroff might make the bold move.

Next: The biggest need