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No one knows who the Atlanta Falcons are taking at No. 6 overall in the upcoming 2014 NFL Draft. A majority of mock drafts have the team taking Jadeveon Clowney, Khalil Mack or one of the top offensive tackles in Round 1. However, a new mock over at Rotoworld goes in a direction we haven't seen many predict yet.
Evan Silva released his latest two-round mock draft, and his first-round forecast will surprise Falcons fans. Here's how he sees the first five picks turning out:
- Texans - Jadeveon Clowney
- Rams - Greg Robinson
- Jaguars - Khalil Mack
- Brown - Jake Matthews
- Raiders - Sammy Watkins
Eric Ebron, tight end, UNC
I can already hear the outrage as you all feverishly type away in the comments section.
We've talked about the need for a new tight end, as Levine Toilolo is basically a one-man show on the depth chart. I'm 100 percent sure the Falcons will draft a tight end, I just don't think it will be at No. 6 overall.
Silva's reasoning?
This mock arguably presents a nightmare scenario for the Falcons, who would likely run to the podium were any of the top-four players here available at No. 6. Fallback options include trading down -- perhaps with a quarterback-needy team -- or deciding between Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, Taylor Lewan, Anthony Barr, and Ebron. An athletic phenom with seam-stretching speed, Ebron has the highest ceiling in that group and would give Atlanta an immediate successor for Tony Gonzalez.
Ebron could arguably be thrown in the "freak athlete" category. He provides an immediate threat to the passing game with a ton of upside. But is that what the Falcons need?
Clinton-Dix also has the potential to be a Pro Bowl safety in the NFL. The No. 6 pick is a bit above his projection, but when you literally don't have a definite starter at free safety, I'm not going to argue with grabbing the best one in the draft.
Ideally, the Falcons would trade down in the first five picks fall this way. Ebron is an intriguing addition. If they didn't multiple glaring needs, he'd get my vote. Atlanta has zero pass rush and poor offensive tackle play. That's what you address with the first pick.
Silva's second pick is already a fan favorite in Atlanta.
Jeremiah Attaochu, LB, Georgia Tech
Attaochu is still developing. He doesn't exactly have a pass rushing repertoire, his awareness on the field is lacking and his technique needs works, but just about everyone around the draft agrees his athleticism and versatility will translate into success.
If the Falcons can't get Clowney or Mack, Attaochu is probably the next best option for bolstering the pass rush. Stand him up on the edge and tell him to get after the quarterback. I don't care about his coverage skills. He's there for one purpose.
I've seen resounding approval for Attaochu on the site, but what do you think of Ebron as a possibility at No. 6?