If you're not familiar with Knox Bardeen, you should be. Knox covers the Falcons for CBS and is now the NFC South lead blogger for Bleacher Report (look at Pat Yasinskas).
His most recent mock draft for the Falcons has some great picks, and today we're going to take a look at his predictions.
Round 2: Dwayne Allen, TE, Clemson
Allen is one of the top ranked tight end prospects this year, with many scouts labeling him as the No. 1 TE overall. The majority of mock drafts are projecting the Falcons to draft a TE in Round 2 or 3, so this projection is right on par. Although there might be more pressing issues to address, Allen would make a solid backup/future replacement for Tony Gonzalez.
Round 3: Trumaine Johnson, CB, Montana
We know Atlanta has set up a meeting with Johnson already, so this pick wouldn't surprise many. He's a long, physical defensive back with great reviews coming out of Montana. He might be taken in the second round, but if he's available at pick No. 84 Atlanta would have a hard time passing him up.
Round 5: Tom Compton, OT, South Dakota
Compton was named to the FCS All-America team in 2011. He's not a household name, but he has great size and technique. Obviously there are concerns about him adjusting to tougher competition (South Dakota doesn't exactly have a grueling schedule). I don't love the pick, but I don't hate it either.
Round 6: Brandon Bolden, RB, Ole Miss
Atlanta has several running backs, which is the only reason I'm leery of this one. Bolden is a powerful back who shows decent speed at times, but has some maturity questions surrounding him from scouting reports. If he falls this far, he'd be a solid pickup. But again, do the Falcons want another RB in this year's draft?
Round 7: Brandon Hardin, FS, Oregon State/Jaymes Brooks, OG, Virginia Tech
We have two picks in Round 7 now, so I just combined the two reviews into one. I love Hardin as a sleeper pick. He missed 2011 with a broken shoulder, so he doesn't have as much recent experience under his belt. Hardin blew away scouts at his pro day workout, though. Reports say he posted around a 4.36-4.40 40 time, which is ridiculous for a 6'3" potential safety.
Brooks would basically (as Knox put it) provide depth on the offensive line. He's not going to wow anyone around here, but he'd be another guy trying to compete. Hardin would be an excellent Round 7 pick if he falls that far; Brooks I'm really indifferent to.
There you have it folks, all six picks for Atlanta. I'd like to see a defensive lineman in there somewhere, and I think The Comrade would too. Feel free to weigh in.