The Atlanta Falcons: 2018 NFL Draft Notebook Volume 3

2 of 3

PALO ALTO, CA – NOVEMBER 18: Stanford Cardinal players run on to the field with ‘The Stanford Axe’ after they beat the California Golden Bears at Stanford Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Falcons 2018 Draft Spotlight Player:

Stanford (rJR) DL Harrison Phillips

Whether or not Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Dontari Poe resigns for an extension this off-season, the Atlanta Falcons will have to address the need for more interior pass-rushers for an inexpensive price.

Besides defensive lineman Derrick Shelby‘s contribution against the run game, the Falcons haven’t got much out of linemen Courtney Upshaw, Ahtyba Rubin, and Jack Crawford (Injured) as a supporting cast to Grady Jarrett and Dontari Poe.

Not to say they are bad players but it is a department where their ability doesn’t dominate often.

Looking at this year’s draft class, it’ll be more than likely top interior pass-rushers like Maurice Hurst Jr., Christian Wilkins, and Da’Ron Payne will be gone by the bottom half of the first round.

But if you take a look at Stanford’s program you’ll find a player who is worthy of to top consideration. It may seem similar when you watch Harrison Phillips line up as a nose tackle in Stanford’s 3-4 defense just as they did last year with 2017 2nd overall pick Solomon Thomas. /

In some odd ways, the two are similar in their hidden talents that gets over-shadowed by the team’s scheme: Rushing the passer.

In his own rights, Phillips has just as much athletic ability as the other top prospects at his position. He excels at holding his ground against the run with excellent hands to dictate offensive linemen’s body motion.

Phillips could be the versatile piece on the defense that can be stretched as 5-tech end to being lined up as a 3-tech ready to shoot the B-gap.

Heading into the off-season, Atlanta has Donatri Poe, Adrian Clayborn, Courtney Upshaw, and Ahtyba Rubin all heading for free agency, so the demand for interior linemen has to be in high interest.

With just a little over $13.4 million in cap space for free agency, it doesn’t look like the Falcons will be a major contender with some of the top name players.

Just like in years before, the Falcons will be regulated to building most of their roster through select draft decisions and invaluable low-investment free agents.

Harrison Phillips would be a perfect start to that plan.