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Falcons 2016 Draft: Day one options at inside linebacker

By Freddie Boston

Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Reggie Ragland (19) reacts after a play during the third quarter against the Texas A&M Aggies at Kyle Field. The Crimson Tide defeated the Aggies 41-23. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 7, 2015; Columbus, OH, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes linebacker Darron Lee (43) gets the crowd fired up during first quarter action versus the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Ohio Stadium. Ohio State leads 14-0 at halftime. Mandatory Credit: Joe Maiorana-USA TODAY Sports /

Darron Lee, Ohio State

Darron Lee is a popular choice for the Falcons in mock drafts.

Lee is a speedy linebacker who can give chase and hang in coverage. While Ragland is more of an old-school thumper who excels against the run, Lee’s best suited to cover tight ends and running backs in the middle of the field. If Dan Quinn wants more speed on defense, Lee can certainly offer that.

With great athleticism and tackling, Lee could compete for snaps from day one. The Falcons desperately need a linebacker who can drop into coverage after getting burned repeatedly by running backs who split out as receivers last year.

The question with Lee lies with his supporting cast at Ohio State. How much of his good play was a direct result of his own work, and how much was a knock-on effect from being surrounded by the likes of Joey Bosa, Joshua Perry, Eli Apple and Vonn Bell? That’s down to the scouts to dig a little deeper.

Lee feels like a Dan Quinn-type player, and one who could come in right away and help the Falcons in coverage. With the speed, coverage ability and potential as a blitzer, Atlanta might use their first pick to help shore up the middle of the defense.

Next: A potential first-rounder