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2017 Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft: Intriguing Scenario at the Bye Week

By Scott Carasik

Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson talks with offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 26, 2015; Winston-Salem, NC, USA; Indiana Hoosiers head coach Kevin Wilson talks with offensive lineman Dan Feeney (67) during the first quarter against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at BB&T Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan Wolverines defensive end Taco Charlton (33) rushes the passer against the Michigan State Spartans during the second half at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

2016: 8 games played, 23 tackles, 6.0 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 5 QB hurries

2015: 13 games played, 30 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 5.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries, 1 fumble forced

2014: 12 games played, 19 tackles, 5.5 tackles for loss, 3.5 sacks, 3 QB hurries

2013: 10 games played, 2 tackles, 0.5 tackles for loss

One spot the Falcons really need improvement at the LEO and strong-side end in the base defense and the right end in the nickel defense. They could use someone who would potentially beat out Brooks Reed in the LEO role in the base to the point where they could cut ties with Reed or allow him to move back to the strong-side linebacker role. They could use an upgrade over Tyson Jackson on the strong-side end as well. They could also use someone who can start at right defensive end in the nickel packages and create pressure from that spot.

Taco Charlton is the kind of piece that Dan Quinn would love because he can do all of the above. He can play the strong-side end in the base defense and give the Falcons someone who can both stop the run and bend the edge as a pass rusher. He would give the Falcons someone who can play the LEO if they preferred to do that and have him rush the quarterback and stuff the run on that side of the field. And he can play in the nickel rotation as a right defensive end. Combining Charlton with the previous pick of Adams would give Atlanta some solid defensive line pieces.

Charlton is a 6’5″, 265-pound defensive end for Michigan, but he plays in multiple different techniques up front. He’s shown competency in every technique from the 3-technique through the 7-technique and could provide Atlanta the kind of piece that rarely leaves the field similar to what Carlos Dunlap is in Cincinnati. Just put him on the end of the line and let him go to work. He’ll provide results, and the Falcons will reap the benefits. Charlton has the makings of a potential first round pick, but the draft is deep on the defensive line and he could wind up slipping here.