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2017 NFL Draft: Full Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft 3.0

By Eric Robinson

Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) returns a kick against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 15, 2016; Knoxville, TN, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) returns a kick against the Tennessee Volunteers during the first half at Neyland Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Randy Sartin-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 17, 2015; College Station, TX, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) makes an interception 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 defensive back Eddie Jackson (4) makes an interception 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 /

The free safety position in the “4-3 Under” defensive scheme is important. That particular spot requires a player that is versatile enough to be effective in Cover 3 as a single-high safety. The free safety must also be active enough in run defense and cover slot receivers from time to time. Current starter Ricardo Allen has seen his fair share of good days and bad. Allen is currently in his second season as a starter but we’ve seen enough to suggest he’s not progressing along with the rest of Atlanta’s young corps.

Eddie Jackson is a ball-hawk free safety that can be an improvement over Allen…if he’s healthy.