Atlanta Falcons: Offensive linemen make noise at the Senior Bowl

Atlanta Falcons hold the 35th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Everyone keeps talking about the Atlanta Falcons’ fourth overall selection, rightfully so, but equally as important are the 35th and 54th spots that the Falcons currently own as well. That gives the Falcons three fantastic opportunities to address major issues that exist on this roster.

Especially at number 35, which is the third pick in the second round.

After watching all the Senior Bowl activities this week, there is one offensive lineman that really stood out all week and would be a great under the radar pick at that spot for the Falcons – James Hudson out of Cincinnati.

The 6’5 310-pound offensive tackle really showed out this week in Mobile at the Senior Bowl.

The one time Michigan defensive tackle made the move to offense and then transferred to Cincinnati in hopes of more playing time under head coach Luke Fickell in 2018.

He helped Cincinnati to a 9-1 record and an appearance in the Chickfila Bowl against UGA. He was also recognized as an all first-team AAC selection as an offensive tackle.

This week at the Senior Bowl, he graded out at 88 percent in their one on one drills and impressed all of the scouts in attendance according to ESPN. While he was not originally in the mix among the best five tackles in the draft, guys like Alex Leatherwood dropped significantly after their week in Mobile.

The best attribute that Hudson has is his ability to drop down inside and play guard. His athleticism is quite impressive for a guy his size and he would fill the left guard role nicely on the Atlanta Falcons offensive line.

New general manager Terry Fontenot has given no one any indication of what he believes the most pressing needs for the Falcons are heading into free agency and the draft and has said that the club will draft the best available player.

At some point, we have to believe that is going to include an offensive linemen or two.