Too soon Atlanta Falcons 2020 mock draft
By Matt Siegman
Round 4 Pick 4: LB Troy Dye
In the fourth round of this mock draft simulation, the Atlanta Falcons select linebacker Troy Dye from Oregon. Dye is a talented player and many will be shocked if he is still on the board in the fourth round. We have seen extremely talented linebackers fall in the NFL Draft in year’s past. Former Buccaneers and current 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander was a fourth-round pick.
Linebacker is a huge need for the Atlanta Falcons. De’Vondre Campbell is having a down year and the Falcons are likely not going to re-sign him if he is looking for a contract similar to Anthony Barr. Campbell has had great moments with the Falcons but there is a lot of uncertainty at linebacker.
Deion Jones is one of the key building blocks for the Atlanta Falcons moving forward. He is a rising star in the NFL and is the only other player on defense having a good season not named Grady Jarrett. Deion is so important for this defense has he has the speed and athleticism to cover tight ends and running backs, which is so crucial when Alvin Kamara and Christian McCaffery are in the same division.
Foye Oluokun is a solid depth piece for the Atlanta Falcons and could eventually become a starter. Just like Oluokun, Jermaine Grace is in the same boat. He is a talented player that provides depth and has the tools to become a starter. Oluokun and Grace at their worst provide special teams value for the Falcons.
According to scouting reports Troy Dye is a freak athlete who has unbelievable range. Pairing him with Deion Jones would be a nightmare for quarterbacks. Dye is excellent at open-field tackles and can cover running backs and tight ends something the Falcons struggle with.
The one downside to Dye is his ability to shed blocks. At worst Dye is a third-down linebacker that is in for passing plays. In today’s NFL, this would be a solid pick up in the fourth round. Many fans are hesitant of drafting a player like this after Duke Riley, but this pick provides a lot more upside and is low risk if selected in the fourth round.