FanPost

Last Mock Draft (w/ trades)

Hey all. In anticipation for what may be the most significant draft for the Falcons since 2008, I've put together one last mock draft. I used fanspeak.com, which allowed me to simulate trades. Fanspeak also uses a compilation of big boards from many draft pundits across the web, helping to add to the reality of this simulation. This mock draft is based on the judgments of players I've been watching for a while now and presents what I hope happens. Moreover, I believe this is a realistic representation of what could possibly happen. However, the NFL draft is, as we all know, A very unpredictable event. Enough intro, here's the results.

TRADE: Falcons trade 1st round pick, 2nd round pick, and 2016 2nd round pick for Oakland's 1st round pick (4) and 4the round pick.

Round 1, pick 4: Vic Beasley, LEO, Clemson

I will openly admit that I am a HUGE Vic Beasley fan. I believe that he is not only the best pass rusher in this class, averaging 11 sacks over the last three years (huge nod for consistent dominance), but the best player in this draft. The biggest knock to his game is run defense, which he has gotten better at over the last year. However, if we're all being honest, we aren't drafting him for his run stopping ability. Dimitroff, make this happen. Please. Admittedly, losing a second round pick in two drafts hurt, but this draft is very deep. We aren't seeing a gigantic drop off in talent from the 2nd to the 3rd round.

Round 3, Pick 9: Eric Rowe, FS/CB, Utah

When I saw Eric Rowe sitting on the board at this pick, trading away the 2nd round pick earlier didn't hurt as much anymore. Eric Rowe is one of my favorite players in this class and I would have taken him in the second, much less now. At 6'1, 205 lbs, Rowe fits very well into the mold of CBs we've seen in Seattle. Even better, Rowe played free safety for two years (at a high level) before making the switch to CB last year (which he also played very well). He was a major standout at the Senior Bowl and his versatility would help us either at nickel CB (or we could start him and move Alford to the slot) or at FS to fill that hole on the roster. Eric Rowe would be a huge boon for this team.

TRADE: Falcons trade OAK 4th round pick and 5th round pick to the Cowboys for the 27th pick in round 3.

Round 3, pick 27: Ali Marpet, OG, Hobart

A much, much milder trade here. Falcons move up 11 spots (from the OAK 4th rounder in the Beasley trade up to the Cowboys 3rd rounder) at the cost of a 5th round pick. Here, we pick up the small school star in Ali Marpet. Marpet was dominant in college (as he should have been) and performed well at the Senior Bowl, showing that his performance was not a product of the level of competition he faced. Marpet showed off his athleticism and strength--he was the only lineman to run a sub-5.0 40 (4.98), ran the fastest 10 yard split (1.74) which is important for guard when pulling and moving sideline to sideline (as a ZBS demands), and putting up 30 reps (T-4th at the combine). Marpet brings the the physical tools as well as the requisite skill to play left guard at this level, has the athleticism to play tackle, and would be a strong step toward to the solidification of this line after the departure of Blalock.

TRADE (last one): Cleveland trades 4th round pick and 7th round pick for Atlanta's 4th round pick

Round 4, pick 12: Chris Conley, WR, Georgia

I was offered this trade and recouping a pick for only moving down 4 spots makes nothing but sense to me. As for the pick itself, Atlanta is in need of a WR to develop for when Roddy is finished here and Conley is a great future replacement. Big (6'2 with 10 inch hands) and fast (4.35 40) with an insane 40 (45 inches), Conley was a Combine standout. However, the Combine only makes you take notice and go back to see the tape. What you see is a tough receiver who is good at making contested catches (winning those "50-50" balls). He catches the ball with his hands instead of his body (body catching leads to drops) and was a natural leader when on and off the field. Conley's stats were depressed by the presence of Todd Gurley and Nick Chubb--shoot, I'd run the ball often too--but his 18.3 yards per catch ratio shows that, when passes were thrown his way, he made the best of it.

Round 6, pick 9: Stefon Diggs, WR, Maryland

Two receivers back to back? Yeah, sorry. Atlanta has made a dedication to "keep the cupboards stacked" at WR, according to Dimitroff, and picking up a receiver with a bit of size, speed, and definite return ability. Why is he available in round 6. Injuries have needed his last two seasons prematurely. However, he is extremely dangerous in space and as a KR. Honestly, I wanted to pick a RB here, but the ones available would probably still be available in round 7. Not my favorite pick, but I think it's a solid one.

Round 7, pick 8: Josh Robinson, RB, Mississippi State

Round 7, pick 12: Malcolm Brown, RB, Texas

Grouping the analysis of these two picks together. Another double dip. Sorry. We lost two RBs in free agency and this goes along to restocking the cupboard, hoping to find the next late round steal for a Shanahan system. Robinson and Brown are both more powerful runners, but are different in style. Robinson runs like bowling ball, bouncing of tackles and picking up yards even when you don't expect him to. Brown, meanwhile, attacks defenders and delivers a blow before he is given one. Robinson's story is one that you should listen to (if you're into that kind of thing) as he's a guy you want to root for. Picking up RBs so late isn't ideal, but given the faith put in Devonta and the installment of a ZBS, I can be okay with this.

Round 7, pick 32: Deion Barnes, DE, Penn State

Best edge rusher left at this point. Prototypical size. Put up 6 sacks last year. Not super athletic but has shown potential at times. Depth pick.

I came away very satisfied with this draft situation. I've run what feels like 100 different scenarios using Fanspeak.com and, coupled with a lot of the admittedly vague information we've gotten from the coaching staff, this players seem to fit very well. We'd be going into this season with a stopgap solution at TE, but this class is very weak there as well. Feel free to share your thoughts or try a draft yourself.

<em>This FanPost was written by one of The Falcoholic's talented readers. It does not necessarily reflect the views of The Falcoholic.</em>