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Per NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, the Falcons hosted cornerback Marcus Peters from Washington for a visit today. Peters previously visited with the 49ers and will visit with the Oakland Raiders next.
Dane Brugler of NFLDraftScout.com has Peters ranked third among cornerbacks in this draft class, behind Michigan State's Trae Waynes and Wake Forest's Kevin Johnson. Brugler is projecting Peters to be a late first or second round selection despite having what Brugler describes as "top-15 talent."
If you're wondering about the Falcons easing the emphasis on avoiding players with character concerns, this visit certainly suggests they're evaluating these concerns, as Dan Quinn said last week, on a case-by-case basis. Peters has prototypical size for the position and first-round talent, but a history of immaturity and attitude issues at Washington led to his dismissal from the program. For what it's worth, Tom Pelissero of USA Today wrote before the Combine that Peters not only understood and accepted responsibility for the things that led up to his dismissal, but also said he would have kicked himself off the team if he were the coach.
Peters had five interceptions in 2013 and added three interceptions in 2014 despite being dismissed from the team during the season. He has solid ball skills and the length that Dan Quinn seems to covet in defensive players, including a long arm span for his height. He's very physical and aggressive and tackles well. If he does fall into the second round, he could be a value pick for a team like the Falcons that has the support system in place to help a very talented young cornerback with a fiery temper mature and develop as a pro.
Your thoughts on Marcus Peters?