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The Latest 2013 NFL Mock Draft From Mocking The Draft: Alex Okafor To The Falcons

Another pass rusher projected to the Falcons.

By Dave Choate
Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE

Mocking the Draft has been predicting a pass rusher to the Falcons most of the off-season. For a long time, that player was Sam Montgomery, the LSU defensive end with the tarnished reputation and intriguing skillset.

This pick has been Sam Montgomery for about a month, but after he admitted to taking games off against easy teams, he could fall in the draft. While it made for a great interview, it was a poor admission. Okafor is the next end up. He was often overlooked at Texas, but he's a solid pass rusher that can play the run and pass. A running back or tight end can be found later in the draft. -Mocking The Draft


Reading the tea leaves and figuring Montgomery is in for a draft day fall, Dan Kadar has selected a new rusher for the Falcons to pick. That man is Alex Okafor.

We've discussed Okafor only in passing here, but he checks a lot of boxes on the team's checklist. He's a powerful player, a guy who can rush the passer and play the run, and while the regular comparisons to Ray Edwards may terrify you, keep in mind that Edwards was well thought-of before his disastrous Atlanta stint.

If he's paired with an effective edge rusher like Abraham or a gifted free agent, Okafor could shine for the Falcons. But he's not without risk, because he's not the most explosive pass rusher in this draft, and the team didn't get a chance to see him at the Combine due to a bruised hip flexor. If he turns out to be another better-than-expected option against the run and a middling pass rusher, he does little to fill one of the team's biggest needs.

The Falcons will certainly look hard at every pass rusher available, and Okafor projects to be one of the best available. No one at the end of the first round comes without warts, however.

What do you think of the pick?

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