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Atlanta Falcons: Get to know rookie guard Sean Harlow

By Randy Gurzi

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Atlanta Falcons needed help in the interior of the offensive line and felt like addressing it with fourth round pick Sean Harlow from Oregon State could provide that help

It was no secret heading into the 2017 NFL Draft that the Atlanta Falcons needed some help at guard. Many believed they should address that hole early on, but the team had other plans. With their first round pick they moved up — spending their own third rounder in the process — for UCLA defensive end Takkarist McKinley. They then dropped out of the second round to obtain another third round selection, which again went to defense as they added LSU linebacker Duke Riley.

Finally in the fourth round the Falcons made a move to improve the offensive line by taking Oregon state guard Sean Harlow. What exactly did they get with this selection though? let’s dig a little deeper into the player they chose.

Vitals

Height: 6-foot-4
Weight: 303-Pounds
Combine Bench Press: 26

Harlow is a tough player, but his athleticism isn’t anything to get excited about. He has some decent strength, but didn’t really set himself apart at the Scouting Combine when did 26 sets on the bench rep drill.

Football Heritage

Sean Harlow’s father, Pat, played in the NFL from 1991-1998. He was drafted 11th overall by the New England Patriots, where he played until signing with the Oakland Raiders in 1996. The elder Harlow was a stud tackle at USC and started 94 games while playing in 105 throughout his NFL career.

The younger Harlow comes in much less heralded, although he did earn second team All-Pac 12 honors in 2016 while playing tackle for the Oregon State Beavers. During his time in the NCAA he mostly played on the edges, but did take some snaps at center which shows his versatility.

What Will His Role Be?

Not many fourth round rookies get into the league and make a huge impact, but Harlow will be given that opportunity. Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan was in the top five for taking hits last season and the weakness of their interior line played a huge part in that.

Must Read: Atlanta Falcons: Get to know rookie running back Brian Hill

This means that despite being a mid-round pick, Harlow will be able to fight for a starting job right away. Should he be able to win it and play well, the Falcons will look wise for waiting on this pick. If he is unable to bring much needed change, the decision makers could face some heat for continually passing on higher ranked prospects.