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Atlanta Falcons: 4 Fearless Offseason Predictions

By Eric Robinson

Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 29, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) points to the sidelines during the first half of a game against the Michigan Wolverines at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2016; East Lansing, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans defensive lineman Malik McDowell (4) stands on the field between plays during the first half against the Furman Paladins at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /

Prediction #1: The Falcons will draft Malik McDowell  

The Falcons will come across a nice stroke of luck this offseason. One of the draft’s premier positions so happens to be the defensive line. We all know that Super Bowl LI was evident enough that the Falcons need a little help along the defensive line.

Right now, my gut instincts are favoring Florida’s Caleb Brantley as the selection late in the first round. That’s because I feel Malik McDowell is a top-20 talent and deserves to be drafted before the Falcons are on the clock.

If I had my preference, I would enjoy seeing Michigan’s Taco Charlton adding his versatility to the Falcons.

However, McDowell’s stock is slipping and the likelihood of McDowell being available at 31 seems to be growing by the day. Due to concerns of his drop-off play this past season.

McDowell is an athletic specimen and will give the Falcons defense another young asset along with edge rusher Vic Beasley Jr., defensive tackles Grady Jarrett and Ra’Shede Hageman and the rest of the front seven.

His ability to play strong side defensive end as well as the 3-tech defensive tackle spot as a consistent penetrator will elevate the defense.

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