Atlanta Falcons select Michigan defensive tackle Maurice Hurst in SB Nation’s latest mock draft

The Atlanta Falcons made a conscious decision to let defensive tackle Dontari Poe reach free agency. That decision signaled a willingness to bring in a talented young DT to pair with destroyer of worlds Grady Jarrett. So as we look ahead to the draft, it’s natural to wonder whether the Falcons will use their first round pick to bolster their defensive front.

SB Nation’s Dan Kadar released his latest mock draft today. He’s got the Falcons drafting a talented but risky DT with the 26th pick.

26. Atlanta Falcons: Maurice Hurst, DT, Michigan

Hurst’s heart condition could cause him to slide a little bit, but he should still find himself in the first round. He would give the Falcons another interior defensive lineman who can create pressure and shoot gaps.

The talented Kevin Knight’s scouting report on Hurst can be found here. Give it a read, if you haven’t already. The short and simple version is this: Hurst is a freakishly athletic, undersized DT with some potentially serious health issues weighing his draft stock down. He’s undoubtedly “fast,” even if the “physical” is still a work in progress.

Your thoughts on Hurst?