Atlanta Falcons: 2018 NFL Draft Notebook Volume 3
Finding Talent Amongst The Nation’s Best
The Reese’s Senior Bowl is college football’s most anticipated all-star event filled with the nation’s best qualified seniors, no matter the level of competition.
The actual full game doesn’t begin until January 27th. But live practices will be aired on NFL Network from Tuesday, January 23rd-Thursday, January 25th.
Regardless of having the Houston Texans’ and the Denver Broncos’ coaching staff leading the two separated teams (North and South), the Falcons will have the opportunity to get up close and personal with multiple players who could become the next great piece.
Finding talent is never the biggest pressing issue for NFL teams. But finding talent that can fit within their own respective system and help them win can become a nerve-wrecking issue.
Luckily for Atlanta, this year’s draft class strengths are aligned with Atlanta’s needs: Interior pass-rushers, Cornerbacks, and Interior offensive linemen.
Each week leading up to the Senior Bowl, I will put together a short introduction of players who could be linked with Atlanta.
More from Atlanta Falcons Draft
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- 3 Things Atlanta Falcons fans learned from Terry Fontenot at combine presser
- NFL insider says Atlanta Falcons will make play for No. 1 pick in draft
IDL Derrick Nnadi, Florida State:
It’ll be hard to find a more powerful anchor in the middle of the defense better than Derrick Nnadi.
The NFL hasn’t placed a high value on premier run-stoppers over the past few years due to evolving offenses.
But Nnadi’s ability to play with low pad-level and eat up double (sometimes triple team) team blockers will impress enough to take a chance on him on Day Two of the draft.
LB Dorian O’Daniel, Clemson:
The Falcons don’t have huge need for linebacker, but they could be losing both special team aces Kemal Ishmael and LaRoy Reynolds to free agency.
Not mention Sean Weatherspoon‘s contract will be up at the end of season, so that leaves Atlanta with a huge void behind their starters.
O’Daniel, a fifth-year senior, fits the filter as an athletic sideline-to-sideline runner who has proved himself as an secure defender in space matched up with running backs and tight ends.
Hearing his name for Atlanta could be as early as Day Two of the draft.
IOL Wyatt Teller, Virginia Tech:
It may be unclear on how the coaching staff feels about the interior offensive line.
Falcons veteran Andy Levitre has played well throughout the season, but has a cap hit of $8.37 million dollars for the season and suffered a partially torn triceps.
Second-year guard Wes Schweitzer had flashes throughout the season but never found enough footing to convince fans he could be an answer at the right spot for years to come.
Adding a guard who has idea size (6-5″ 315 pounds) and offers a balanced mixture of flexibility and power like Wyatt Teller, could be an option for Atlanta come draft time.
Other All-Star Events To Watch For Scouting Resources:
The Reese’s Senior Bowl receives a ton of attention from many of the major media outlets each year but there are countless other all-star events that showcases player who may have missed their chance to receive a invitation from the Senior Bowl.
Next: 3 Players With Falling Stock At Year’s End
Under is a list including links of the many forgotten showcasing events for NFL scouts to attend to get a better look at undervalued players: