Falcons land a gifted pass rusher in the SB Nation writers mock draft

From the moment we learned that the Falcons had shown real interest in Youngstown State pass rusher Derek Rivers, I’ve thought there was a strong chance he’d wind up being an option for the Falcons. Originally I thought it would be the second round, but seeing his draft stock rising in the run-up to the draft and the fact that the Falcons are never afraid to go early for players they love, I now think he could be in play at #31.

Enter the annual SB Nation NFL mock draft, where representatives from all 32 team sites select players for their favorite teams. As you might guess, I landed Rivers. The short version of why is that Rivers offers one of the better blends of athleticism, character, and upside out of what was available here, and I personally put the need for a pass rusher higher than a guard. That’s why I passed on Forrest Lamp, which I suspect will be a little bit controversial. Here’s everyone who has been drafted thus far.

For the full writeup and more analysis, check out Dan Kadar at Mocking The Draft. Here’s a reminder about who I’ve wound up with in years past. You’ll notice a heavy bias toward ends and pass rushers over the years, but if the Falcons make the Rivers pick (or land another capable pass rusher), it’ll probably be the last time I do so for a while.

2016: DE Shaq Lawson | S Keanu Neal

2015: DE Randy Gregory | CB/S Eric Rowe

2014: LB Khalil Mack | T Morgan Moses

2013: DE Tank Carradine | CB David Amerson

2012: RB David Wilson

2011: DE/LB Justin Houston | T Marcus Gilbert

2010: LB Sean Weatherspoon

2009: ILB James Laurinitis | S Michael Hamlin

2008: T Jake Long | QB Joe Flacco | DT Kentwan Balmer | CB Tracy Porter | RB Tony Hunt