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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 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Louisville Cardinals tight end Cole Hikutini (18) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 1, 2016; Clemson, SC, USA; Louisville Cardinals tight end Cole Hikutini (18) carries the ball during the third quarter against the Clemson Tigers at Clemson Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joshua S. Kelly-USA TODAY Sports /

The tight end position has an important role in Atlanta offense; about as much as any other position. Injuries have weighed negatively on the Falcons’ tight ends this season, with veteran starter Jacob Tamme hitting the IR with a shoulder injury back in Week 8. Tamme was productive but rumors are he’s considering retirement at season’s end.

The Falcons’ offense incorporates a ton of two tight end sets. Rookie Austin Hooper has been a nice spark but reserve tight end Levine Toilolo has been average-at-best in his 4 seasons with Atlanta.

Picking up Hikutini in the NFL Draft will add to a tight end stable that has a lot of potential. The best-case scenario is Hikutini learning behind Hooper and a healthy Tamme in 2017.