Atlanta Falcons: 2016 NFL mock draft roundup 7.0

Who do the draft experts project to the Atlanta Falcons on day one?

It’s crunch time. We’re just over a week away from the start of the 2016 NFL Draft, and mock drafts are truly taking shape now. How accurate will they be?

Let’s break down some of the latest mocks from the top draft analysts from around the internet. The Atlanta Falcons’ focus is on defense, which comes as no surprise. Let’s begin.

Dane Brugler of CBSSports.com: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

Charlie Campbell of WalterFootball.com: DE Shaq Lawson, Clemson

As both of these analysts have selected Shaq Lawson, let’s put them together. This would be a dream scenario for the Falcons. Lawson would be paired with fellow former Clemson Tiger Vic Beasley, and the two could form a strong duo at defensive end. Lawson plays with great strength and power, and would offer an immediate upgrade to the run.

If Lawson falls to No. 17, he could easily be the best player on the board.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report: LB Darron Lee, Ohio State

Darron Lee would help fix the Falcons’ need at linebacker. He has the speed to give chase and cover tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field, which is an area the defense has struggled with. The pick makes sense, but I’m not so sure it’s the most valuable option for Atlanta.

NFL.com mock drafts

Daniel Jeremiah: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Charley Casserly: OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Bucky Brooks: OLB Leonard Floyd, Georgia
Charles Davis: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Lance Zierlein: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Chad Reuter: WR Will Fuller, Notre Dame

I’ll be honest, not one of these picks excites me a whole lot. It’s not due to a lack of talent; all of these prospects are incredibly talented. The Falcons must address the anaemic pass rush, and their best opportunity will come on day one. That eliminates Lee, Reggie Ragland and Will Fuller. More on those prospects in a moment.

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Leonard Floyd is a true boom-or-bust prospect. He has the raw talent to become an excellent pass rusher at the next level, but it’s largely projection based. Floyd is too thin currently and lacks the strength required for the position. Where would he line up in Atlanta? It almost certainly wouldn’t be at defensive end, meaning he could inherit more of a coverage role rather than being used as an edge rusher.

Floyd was used inside a lot at Georgia which raises some questions. Would he take on a similar role in Atlanta?

Ragland is an old-school, thumping inside linebacker who would be an upgrade to any defense. But his coverage ability scares me and he doesn’t have the desired speed for Dan Quinn’s defense.

Will Fuller is one of the top wide receiver prospects in the class, but it would be a luxury pick for the Falcons who have already spent money on Mohamed Sanu to pair with Julio Jones and Justin Hardy. It would be great to see a talent like Fuller plugged into the Matt Ryan-led offense, but with just five picks it wouldn’t make much sense.

CBSSports.com mock draft

Rob Rang: DT Jarran Reed, Alabama
Pete Prisco: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama
Will Brinson: OLB Darron Lee, Ohio State
Jared Dubin: ILB Reggie Ragland, Alabama

Jarran Reed is an interesting option. He can line up at multiple spots along the defensive line, but the concerns are that he isn’t much more than an elite run-stuffer. Of course, having such a player is great, but with such urgency to get help rushing the passer, there are other options at defensive tackle who could help collapse the pocket from an interior position.

Next: Three players Falcons could trade down for

What are your thoughts on the picks, Falcons fans?