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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 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates his punt return for a 79yd touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) celebrates his punt return for a 79yd touchdown against the Tennessee Volunteers during the fourth quarter at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

2016: 8 games played, 24 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss, 1 interception, 2 pass deflections, 1 defensive touchdown, 11 punt returns, 253 yards, 2 return touchdowns

2015: 15 games played, 46 tackles, 3.0 tackles for loss, 6 interceptions, 2 pass deflections, 2 defensive touchdowns

2014: 11 games played, 41 tackles, 2.0 tackles for loss, 1.0 sack, 1 interception, 2 fumbles forced, 1 fumble recovery, 6 pass deflections

2013: 7 games played, 19 tackles, 1.0 tackles for loss, 1 QB hurry, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery, 2 pass deflections

One position that has been weak for the Falcons in 2016 has been Ricardo Allen at free safety. In 2015, he was better in coverage and could support the run better than he has. He’s been missing tackles and taking bad angles to the ball in both pass coverage and run support and could be upgraded rather easily in 2016 by a mid-round draft pick. Allen has shown this season that he’s only a solid depth player long term and should be replaced in the lineup in 2017 at the latest.

The best way to get a good safety in the fourth round is to take someone who’s dealing with a season-ending injury but might have gone in the second or third round otherwise. Alabama’s Eddie Jackson is the best fit in the draft for a safety who suffered a season-ending injury but would have likely gone in the second or third round without it. Jackson is a productive, talented safety who has all of what you look for in a free safety in the Falcons scheme.

Jackson is 6’0″ and 195 pounds, so he would be a true size upgrade over Allen, but he’d also be a speed and instincts upgrade over the diminutive former cornerback. Jackson’s ability to play a deep half at Alabama will be easy to convert into a true cover 1 safety for the Falcons scheme in center field. He can read the play effectively and is a solid all-around tackler. He’s also the kind of playmaker the Falcons can take advantage of in the defense with his ability to return any ball for a touchdown from anywhere on the field.