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With the 2013 NFL Draft just a few weeks away, we're starting to see new player workouts every day around the league. The Atlanta Falcons are currently shopping the West Coast for prospects, and several tight ends have been in the mix in recent days.
Stanford tight end Zach Ertz is reportedly working out the Falcons today, according to Tony Pauline of DraftInsider.net.Atlanta is also looking at tight end Levine Toilolo, running back Stepfan Taylor, and Cal center Brian Schwenke.
Pauline reported the Falcons worked out defensive end Datone Jones, tight end Gavin Escobar, cornerback Leon McFadden, and running back Johnathan Franklin yesterday.
Ertz is ranked No. 2 among all tight ends by SB Nation's Dan Kadar. He won't last to the end of the second round, so the Falcons would have to use their first selection on him. Kadar ranks Escobar at No. 3 and Toilolo at No. 11. It seems like waiting for the middle-to-late rounds to draft Toilolo would be a better decision. There are more pressing needs than tight end.
Jones reportedly performed well in his workout.
Am told Datone Jones/DL/UCLA looked very impressive during his workout for the Falcons today..
— Tony Pauline (@TonyPauline) April 6, 2013
Saying a player looked impressive in a workout is about as generic as it gets, though. We hear it all the time. Jones has been paired with the Falcon in a few mock drafts for his pass rushing ability. He would also need to be taken at No. 30. He might not even last that long.
On the running backs side, Franklin is a second or third-round pick. Taylor intrigues me a bit, though. While he doesn't exactly excel at any one skill, he's a solid, all-around player. There aren't many weaknesses in his game. Taylor will go in the middle rounds.
Don't invest too much stock into workouts. It shows interest, but it doesn't foreshadow draft day decisions. It helps spur conversation, though. How do you feel about this group of players? Anyone stand out in your mind?