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Where are Atlanta Falcons players going in Preseason Mock Drafts?

By Blaine Milam

Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) points during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones (11) points during the first quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings defeated the Falcons 41-28. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports /
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Fantasy football is starting back up and it is time to get solid advice on where to draft you favorite Atlanta Falcons players. 

It’s that time of the year when fantasy football is in the air and the mock drafts are abundant.  The Atlanta Falcons are rarely a gold mine of fantasy football talent, but generally, the Falcons can provide a piece or two to your fantasy draft day strategy.  After all, teams that are not winning can be a great source of passing and receiving yards.  This year we will be looking to some usual suspects for fantasy purposes from the Falcons roster.  Julio Jones, Devonte Freeman, and Matt Ryan are defiantly draft worthy, but their value is about where you draft them.

Without a doubt, Julio Jones is going early in every mock draft I’ve participated in.  After posting 1,871 yards on 136 catches in 2015, his Average Draft Position must be around second to fourth overall going into 2016.  Kyle Shanahan’s offense is always looking for a deep ball and he uses quick timing routes to keep the defense off balance.  Julio excels at both and is the focus of the Falcon passing game.  Expectations are high for Jones and fantasy owners are banking on him repeating his outstanding 2015 season.  Take him with one of the first four picks in your draft and feel good about it.

Devonte Freeman has game. What he accomplished in 2015 was an eye opener for the Falcons rushing attack.  Freeman put up 1056 yards rushing and 11 touchdowns to go with 578 receiving

Falcons
Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /

yards on 73 catches last year and the arrow is pointing up.  His ADP is around 10th or 12th overall and could be a steal there.  Freeman is the prototype running back for Shanahan’s offense.  Some people have speculated that his production will fall off due to the emergence of Tevin Colman and a more pass-centric approach, but Freeman’s quickness and vision are special and if the passing game continues to struggle Devonte will be leaned on to get the tough yards.

Matt Ryan had a rough season in 2015.  His first year under Kyle Shanahan’s scheme exposed Ryan’s difficulty in adjusting to a new system; however, in the last few games of 2015 Ryan appeared to get more comfortable as Shanahan gave him a bit more leeway in calling audibles.  Ryan is a clear bounce back candidate for this season.  Essentially overlooked in most drafts, Ryan’s ADP is in the 120 to 130 range and there is value to be had in waiting to draft a quarterback late.  With another year in the system and an improved receiver corps, 4,500 yards and 30 touchdowns are not out of the question and he can be had in most drafts in the 10th round or later.

There are always useful fantasy nuggets to be mined on any NFL team.  Julio is one of the best fantasy receivers in the league and the Falcons provide a great running back option in Freeman. Ryan could be a real sleeper pick and the Defense/Special Teams is on the rise as well.  Don’t forget about Matt Bryant, having a good kicker can win a game or two for your team.  In deeper leagues Mohamed Sanu and Jacob Tamme could have value.  Have fun, eat some wings, drink some beer and put together a winning fantasy football team but don’t forget about the Falcons on draft day.

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