Atlanta Falcons: Three Round Mock Draft
By Joe Beasley
1st Round-14th Overall Pick
Clelin Ferrell DE/OLB, Clemson
Earlier on, we pointed out how the Falcons pass rush defense needs to improve drastically to put less stress on the other areas on their defense. Clelin Ferrell can step in and do this right away.
For a minute, it looked as if the Falcons would have to hope one of the elite defensive tackles would fall to them, but with the Falcons retaining Grady Jarrett for at least another year, it gives them more flexibility in the draft.
Since 2017, he has posted 36.5 tackles for loss and 21 sacks. Those numbers tell me not only can he get to the quarterback, but he also helps an already outstanding run defense. He posted most of those numbers in the 2017 season, but that’s only because offenses started keying in on him and quarterback had to run to the other side of the field when they say this beast coming.
Ferrell played on one of the most talented defensive lines college football has seen and they all made each other better. Joining a defensive line that consist of Grady Jarrett, the uber athletic Vic Beasley, and the relentlessness of Takk McKinley, I fully expect for him to fit right in and give this pass run an instant boost once he arrives on the scene in Atlanta.
What also make him so valuable is the underrated skill of being able to play with his hand in the dirt at defensive end or lining up at the outside linebacker spot. This is the versatility Dan Quinn could use to his advantage and put Ferrell in position to make plays for the defense.
Other Options:
- Ed Oliver, Edge, Houston
- Jonah Williams, OT, Alabama
- Christian Wilkins, DE, Clemson