Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 5.0

With the first mock draft roundup of April, who do the experts project to the Atlanta Falcons?

By the end of this month, we will know the 2016 rookie class for the Atlanta Falcons. Will the pass rush be upgraded? How about the linebacker spots?

What might head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Thomas Dimitroff pull off during the three-day event in Chicago? Here’s who the draft experts are projecting to the Falcons with the 17th overall pick in four weeks time.

Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks — S Keanu Neal, Florida

We’ve spoken a lot about the Falcons’ pass rush and coverage linebacker needs, but how about safety? Could Atlanta turn to the secondary on day one? Erik Lambert believes they might, and he explains that Dan Quinn’s greatest success came in Seattle when working with the likes of Kam Chancellor and Earl Thomas. Maybe Keanu Neal can help take the Falcons’ secondary to the next level.

Ryan McCrystal of Bleacher Report — DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson

Last year, the Falcons used the eighth overall pick to select Clemson pass rusher Vic Beasley. Just 12 months later, a case can be made for another Tigers edge rusher to land in Atlanta. Kevin Dodd could help strengthen a pass rush that registered just 19 sacks in 2015.

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com — DE Emmanuel Ogbah, Oklahoma State

Somewhat of an underrated pass rusher is Emmanuel Ogbah, and he could be the perfect fit at No. 17. Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com believes he can be the missing piece to the Falcons’ pass rush. A tandem of Ogbah and Beasley paired with the likes of Derrick Shelby and Adrian Clayborn sounds good.

NFL.com mock draft

Daniel Jeremiah: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Charles Davis: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Bucky Brooks: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Lance Zierlein: DE Kevin Dodd, Clemson
Ike Taylor: S Keanu Neal, Florida
Maurice Jones-Drew: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson
Chad Reuter: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State

Interestingly, Darron Lee is far and away the most popular choice here with three selections. Lee would give the Falcons a versatile linebacker who has the speed to give chase and coverage ability to hang with tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field.

What is it with Clemson edge rushers? Kevin Dodd is featured again, as is his teammate Shaq Lawson. Which of the two would you rather see in the red and black? My pick would be Lawson.

CBSSports.com mock draft

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

I love the pick of Sheldon Rankins. Why? Because he could just be the best player available at No. 17. Why pass up on such a talent if he’s top of the board? A’Shawn Robinson would be another strong addition.

The pick of Reggie Ragland is interesting: Ragland is an old-school middle linebacker who stuffs the run and packs a punch, but his speed and coverage ability has been called into question.

What are your thoughts on these picks, Falcons fans?