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Bleacher Report's Matt Miller has landed the first seven round mock draft I've seen thus far, and it's one that delivers a fairly balanced draft that fills a few key needs for the Falcons, with a couple of eyebrow-raising picks.
We all know what to think of mock drafts at this point in the offseason, but typically enjoyable discussions flow from looking at them, so we will press on. Here's who Miller had the Falcons taking in his seven round mock.
1. Dante Fowler Jr., DE, Florida (view our scouting report)
2. Cedric Ogbuehi, T, Texas A&M
3. Durell Eskridge, FS, Syracuse
4. Rakeem Nunez-Roches, DT, Southern Miss
5. Jamil Douglas, G, Arizona State
6. Tony Washington, LB, Oregon
7. Matt Jones, RB, Florida
What stands out here?
Two Florida guys: Miller obviously believes that Dan Quinn's connection to Florida will be a factor here. Fowler is one of the most highly-regarded defensive ends in the class, a do-everything player who could be an effective pass rusher at the NFL level. He's a logical choice for the Falcons at #8. Jones, a sturdy 6'2" and 235 pounds, was the Gators' leading rusher in 2014 and is a powerful back, albeit one who will need work in pass protection and catching to be a major factor at the NFL level. He's had two knee injuries at Florida, which is enough to make you wary.
Offensive line help in the offing: The Falcons may be more comfortable with their offensive line as currently constructed than most, but they'll want to add talent if they can, and Kyle Shanahan will want guys who fit his zone-blocking scheme. Ogbuehi is, when healthy, an athletic tackle who would be a comfortable fit for Atlanta on the right side. Jamil Douglas is equally athletic, if a bit raw, and could be the kind of young project at guard the Falcons have been looking for.
Free safety seems unlikely: The Falcons could sink another pick into safety, but they have young players worth developing in Kemal Ishmael and Dezmen Southward, plus Zeke Motta and Sean Baker if both return. They need a veteran more than a young safety, so Eskridge seems unlikely
Your take on this mock draft?