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Falcons 2016 Draft: What could Sheldon Rankins bring to defense?

By Freddie Boston

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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What could defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins bring to the Atlanta Falcons’ defense?

Defensive tackle might not stand out as an obvious need for the Atlanta Falcons, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t add a talent like Sheldon Rankins if available.

The likely starters in the interior positions currently are Jonathan Babineaux and free agent acquisition Derrick Shelby, with second-year Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman close behind.

Coincidentally, Rankins has drawn some comparisons to Jarrett. He is considered to be undersized for the position at 6-foot-1, 299 pounds, but he is a powerful player who could help the Atlanta defense against both the run and pass. Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com believes Rankins is among the best run defenders in this year’s rookie class:

"“Rankins is one of the better run defenders in this draft class and continues to grow as a pass rusher. He entered Senior Bowl week with first-round grades and he only helped himself there with a dominating week.”"

While the Falcons may need more edge rushers capable of putting consistent pressure on the quarterback, Rankins is a very productive interior rusher who could help collapse the pocket from tackle. He wouldn’t single-handedly solve the Falcons’ pass-rushing woes and isn’t a player you would be reliant on for sacks, but his presence would help the entire defense get better.

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Atlanta isn’t just one or two pieces away from an elite defense. Help is needed across the board. Any time you can add a talented football player to your team who would be an upgrade, you do it.

Now imagine the Falcons’ defensive line rotation with Rankins, Jarrett, Hageman, Shelby and Babineaux. It could easily be one of the best in the league. Babs is 34-years-old and will hit free agency following the 2016 season. Rankins can be the long-term replacement following the coming campaign.

The Falcons will have options at No. 17, but unless a player like Shaq Lawson drops, I’m not convinced a pass rusher would be the best player on the board. I’m also not sold on the idea of selecting a Reggie Ragland or Darron Lee in the first round; a day two option such as Deion Jones would help fill the need at linebacker.

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If Rankins is there at 17, the Falcons will have a hard time passing him up. Defensive tackle might not be the biggest need, but Rankins could be a playmaker against the run and pass for years to come and help the defense dominate up front.