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Atlanta Falcons Mock Draft

By Erik Sandelin

Apr 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans await the announcement of quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft at draft party at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 28, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Rams fans await the announcement of quarterback Jared Goff as the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL Draft at draft party at L.A. Live. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the NFL Draft about a month away, it’s time to take a look at the direction the Atlanta Falcons could take with their picks.

Well, everybody else is doing it, so why not? The Atlanta Falcons are currently set to pick near the end of the first round at the NFL Draft, which begins a month from today–April 27 in Philadelphia.

With that, let’s jump into the picks.

Round 1, Pick 31 – Forrest Lamp, G, Western Kentucky

A left tackle in college, Lamp doesn’t have the arm length or body type to play there in the pros, but has prototypical athleticism to play right guard in the Falcons’ blocking scheme. He may not be available with this pick, as teams like Green Bay and Seattle could also like him.

If he’s not on the board, I’d be OK with Dan Feeney here or perhaps even trading out of the pick and then getting Feeney in the early second round, which would then allow Atlanta to make up for the lost sixth rounder to the Titans as part of the Andy Levitre trade.

Round 2, Pick 63 – Derek Rivers, DE, Youngstown State

Rivers is apparently on the rise up draft boards since the postseason all-star games, but the level of competition he faced during his collegiate career may keep him available until this pick. He’d be a nice addition to the LEO edge rusher rotation with Adrian Clayborn and Brooks Reed.

Round 3, Pick 95 – Duke Riley, LB, LSU

Other than LaRoy Reynolds, Atlanta has no linebacker depth of consequence under contract. I’d rather draft this depth than re-sign Sean Weatherspoon or go after anybody else’s scraps in free agency.

‘Backers who can run and cover and play special teams are needed in this defense, and Riley fits that bill.

Round 4, Pick 136 – Elijah Lee, LB, Kansas State

See Riley above.

Round 5, Pick 174 – James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh

Even with the recent signings of Derrick Coleman and Soma Vainuku and the apparent interest in Will Johnson, I believe the Falcons will still look to add a big back in the draft.

Conner is a great story who would be excellent to have in the locker room and will do whatever the coaches ask him to.

Round 7, Pick 249 – Sam Tevi, OT, Utah

With the loss of Tom Compton in free agency, Atlanta needs a backup swing tackle behind Jake Matthews and Ryan Schrader.

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Tevi has experience at both tackle spots, and can even be a backup long-snapper. He’s got the athleticism and attitude the blocking scheme requires.