Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 6.0

Who is projected to the Atlanta Falcons in the first round of the 2016 NFL Draft?

Where do you start with the Atlanta Falcons’ needs? Pass rush is the obvious one, but the Falcons also need help at linebacker, safety and cornerback. Who are the experts projecting to Atlanta in the first round of the 2016 Draft?

There are a variety of opinions in this week’s mock draft roundup. Let’s work our way through them.

Erik Lambert of NFL Mocks — TE Hunter Henry, Arkansas

This is an interesting pick. There’s no denying what Hunter Henry would bring to the Atlanta offense. He would give Matt Ryan a big-time threat who can open up the middle of the field and also has the ability to block.

While this would be a nice addition, tight end isn’t a desperate position of need. With just five picks, it’s hard to see Atlanta focusing on any area other than defense.

Michelle Bruton of Bleacher Report — OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State

Darron Lee wouldn’t be a surprising pick at #17. If the Falcons don’t like the pass rushers available at that spot, Lee would make sense. He can drop into coverage, which is exactly what the defense lacked last season. Lee would bring the speed Dan Quinn likes to have on defense.

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com — ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

I’m not big on this pick. Reggie Ragland is an outstanding talent, but his ability is in run defense and not so much in coverage. Even with Ragland, the Falcons would have issues at the linebacker position. Having said that, the defense needs upgrades in any department it can get them, so if the Falcons have the Alabama product at the top of their board, why not grab a talent.

NFL.com mock draft

Charley Casserly: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Bucky Brooks: OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia

We’ve already discussed the prospect of bringing Lee to Atlanta, but Leonard Floyd is an interesting one. On one hand, he has the potential to be an excellent pass rusher at the pro level.

Here’s the issue: Floyd is very thin and lacks the strength required for success at the next level. There’s a lot to like about his game, but I’m not sure he’s the pass rusher the Falcons need. What position would Floyd have in Atlanta? It won’t be defensive end, but more likely inside linebacker. He would be asked to cover and also blitz from the inside.

His versatility makes him an intriguing option.

CBSSports.com mock draft

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

A variety of selections here. I love the pick of Sheldon Rankins. It doesn’t fix one of the most pressing needs, but Rankins would give the defense a big-time upgrade up front and he could be too talented to pass up. Dan Quinn needs to have an eye on the future, and if Rankins is top of the board they have to view him as a pick that makes sense for the years to come as opposed to fixing current needs.

Shaq Lawson might be the pick of the bunch. Lawson could help immediately as a pass rusher and an edge setter against the run. If he drops to #17, it will be tough to pass him up.

What are your thoughts on these picks, Falcons fans?