Sandelin’s first 2018 7-round Falcons mock draft
Atlanta Falcons have drafted reasonably well in the Dan Quinn era. Who might the Dirty Birds draft in 2018?
The Atlanta Falcons are only halfway through their 2017 season, but it is not too early to take a quick look at which players the Falcons could add in the 2018 NFL Draft. I have included my brief and initial 2018 mock draft below based on current standings and needs. Let’s begin!
With the 19th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Da’Ron Payne – Defensive Tackle – University of Alabama
If the season ended today, the only defensive tackle the Falcons would have under contract would be Grady Jarrett. Clearly, an infusion of talent and depth is needed in the interior of the defensive line.
With the 51st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Quin Blanding – Free Safety – University of Virginia
I don’t think Dan Quinn is sold on Ricardo Allen or Damontae Kazee as the answer at FS. I think he’s still looking for his version of Earl Thomas, and Blanding offers terrific size and tackling.
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With the 83rd pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Mason Cole – Guard – University of Michigan
Andy Levitre may be released after this season and Ben Garland will be a free agent. Even if those two return, an upgrade in the competition at guard can only help the offense.
With the 115th pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Darius Phillips – Defensive Back – Western Michigan University
This may be a bit early for Phillips, but the lack of a fifth-round pick may spark the “reach” here. Phillips’ value to Atlanta would be increased if they decide they can no longer rely on Jalen Collins, but the real reason I pick him here is for his return skills. Andre Roberts hasn’t been the answer as a returner like I thought he’d be.
* Pick 147 is traded to Denver for Ty Sambraillo *
With the 51st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Dimitri Flowers – Fullback – University of Oklahoma
Falcons fullback Derrick Coleman is likely gone after this year, and I believe Flowers would be an upgrade, anyway. He can run block, pass protect, run, catch, line up at multiple positions on offense and contribute on special teams.
With the 51st pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Atlanta Falcons select:
- Daniel Carson – Kicker – University of Auburn
Matt Bryant isn’t getting any younger, and seems to be more prone to getting dinged up as the years go by. I love “the other Matty Ice,” but it may be time to move on.
Next: Atlanta Falcons MNF: Earl Thomas to play, Chancellor questionable for Seattle
Note: Where the Atlanta Falcons draft in each round is based on if the season were to end right now and does not account for any compensatory picks that may be awarded at the end of the season.