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2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Select Duke Riley in Third Round

By Randy Gurzi

Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 31, 2016; Orlando, FL, USA; LSU Tigers linebacker Duke Riley (4) reacts with defensive back Dwayne Thomas (13) against the Louisville Cardinals during the second half at Camping World Stadium. LSU Tigers defeated the Louisville Cardinals 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons finally made their second pick in the 2017 NFL Draft by choosing LSU linebacker Duke Riley with the 75th overall pick

It’s no secret Atlanta Falcons head coach Dan Quinn likes defensive players. During his tenure with the team their drafts have focused heavily on that side of the ball and the 2017 NFL Draft is no different.

After trading up in the first round to select UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley 26th overall, the Falcons then dropped out of round two. They made a trade with the Buffalo Bills to get the 75th pick as well as two more in the fifth round.

Related Story: 2017 NFL Draft Round 2: Falcons Trade Out

The first of those picks was used to add some depth to their linebacking corps. The selection was LSU linebacker Duke Riley, who joins former teammate Deion Jones with the Falcons. Both are considered fast linebackers who can cover sideline-to-sideline and as the Falcons official Twitter page reminds us, they can lay the lumber.

The Falcons know that their team struggled last season at the end of games due to a lack of depth. This pick helps them in their goal of recapturing the NFC South title next season. After Jones went to Atlanta last season, Riley moved into the starting lineup. He recorded 93 tackles and an interception for the Tigers during that season.

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Barring any further trades Atlanta is now done for day two. Their next pick will be number 136 in the fourth round.