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Atlanta Falcons play it safe in this full 7 round mock draft

By Joe Carlino

Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Atlanta Falcons general manager Terry Fontenot. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – JANUARY 10: James Cook #4 of the Georgia Bulldogs against the Alabama Crimson Tide at Lucas Oil Stadium on January 10, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

Round Three (74th overall and 82nd overall)

First mock: Isaiah Thomas, EDGE (Oklahoma, 74th); 82nd originally Indy’s prior to Ryan trade

Current Selection: James Cook, RB (Georgia, 74th); Myjai Sanders, EDGE (Cincinnati, 82nd)

Another round, another situation where the Falcons are 50-50 on offense and defense. This time around, though, the team flips the side of the ball for each pick, even if they previously didn’t have the 82nd pick.

This may be a personal selection, but it’s hard to deny that Dalvin Cook has been a revelation for the Minnesota Vikings in their backfield. So why can’t Atlanta get that same productivity from his younger brother?

James played for the Georgia Bulldogs as opposed to the Florida State Seminoles, so he had more NFL-ready competition to face against from the powerhouse SEC schools. And against most of them, he dominated in the running game, racking up over 1,200 yards and averaging about 6.5 yards per carry. Furthermore, his elusiveness and versatility in the backfield translates simultaneously, as does his ability to keep the ball protected (zero fumbles throughout his entire Bulldog career).

Not only that, but he was the primary running back for the national champion Georgia Bulldogs. Since Falcons fans always clamor for the team to pick young men that played in Athens, why not give Dalvin’s brother a chance to trade the red and white for the red and black?

Atlanta only received the 82nd pick in the trade that sent Matt Ryan to the Colts. And yes, we’ll play along that it’s the 82nd pick in the third round (figure it out yet?) *guffaws at insanity*

With this pick, their fifth in the top 85, the team attempts to take a flyer on Sanders, who appears to have some raw talent that could translate to the next level. For starters, his frame (6-foot-5, 255lbs.) is impressive for a three-year starter. In fact, his size and speed is considered “unexpected” to most, which allows him to succeed at power rushes and the stutter-swipe technique.

However, if he truly can succeed at the next level, he’s going to have to cut down on being drawn offsides, as he was 29 times in three years (13 of them coming in 2021).

As a late Day Two selection, he makes the most of his time learning under Dean Pees.