Four players taken by the Atlanta Falcons in the most recent mock draft

As we enter into the final month of the 2019 regular season for the Atlanta Falcons, more and more mock drafts will start to appear.

The most recent mock draft by NFL scout expert Matt Miller has the Atlanta Falcons drafting four players in the first three rounds. All three players address needs that have hindered this team for the entirety of the 2019 season.

As predicted, no offensive lineman are projected to be picked in the first three rounds. That position needs to be addressed via free agency instead of rookie help.

Round 1 Pick 6 – Jeff Okudah – CB – Ohio State

Okudah is the number one cornerback coming into the draft. While Isaiah Oliver has somewhat improved in recent weeks, we are still weak at the cornerback position. With the Atlanta Falcons possibly looking to offload Desmond Trufant in the offseason to make cap space, this will make Damontae Kazee, Kendall Sheffield, and Isaiah Oliver as our top three corners.

The Atlanta Falcons current sit at 26th in passing defense, allowing 260 yards per game.

I find it hard to make any headway in defending the pass with those three leading the way.

Round 2 Pick 36 – J.K. Dobbins – RB – Ohio State

Since 2011, the Atlanta Falcons have only had three seasons where a running back rushed for over 1000 yards. Over the past two years, the Atlanta Falcons have been rotating running backs throughout the course of the seasons due to injuries.

Devonta Freeman will not be the same guy he was in 2016 while playing in Atlanta and it is yet to be determined if the current backup running backs on our roster can be the true number one guy.

J.K. Dobbins has had a monstrous season with the Ohio State Buckeyes. He accumulated 1,657 yards by the end of the regular season. With an additional 200 yards receiving, he could eclipse 2,000 total yards by the end of the playoffs if Ohio State makes it there.

It is also important to note that the Dolphins pick right before Atlanta and could easily take Dobbins over D’Andre Swift.

In this case, hopefully, the Atlanta Falcons stay at the running back position and draft the versatile Swift out of Georgia.

Round 2 Pick 62 – Ashtyn Davis – S – Cal

Traded from New England for Mohamed Sanu.

Due to the Atlanta Falcons losing a safety or two over the past two seasons, this position needs to be addressed because we cannot be caught with our hands tied if Keanu Neal or Ricardo Allen miss another season due to injury.

Davis has shown he can be a reliable tackler with more than 100 tackles over the course of the past two seasons. He also has shown he has the speed to close in on opponents with his six interceptions since 2018. Davis has the potential to be the real deal.

Davis also has the potential to be a return specialist.

Round 3 Pick 67 – Kenny Willekes – EDGE – Michigan State

The Atlanta Falcons need a new pass rusher. With Beasley departing in the offseason, the Falcons are left with pretty much only Takk as a viable option.

Vic Beasley and Takk McKinley combined have only hit the QB 19 times. For comparison, Matt Ryan has been hit 100 times. The Atlanta Falcons will never be successful if the pass rush isn’t addressed.

Willekes could be a steal at this portion of the NFL draft. Willekes has a total of 22.5 sacks and 219 total tackles since 2017. This addition could have a huge impact on our defensive line.

If Willekes is still on the board at this time, I would be shocked but the Atlanta Falcons need Willekes and all the other guys listed in Matt Miller’s most recent mock draft.