Rapsheet: Falcons interested in Colorado CB Isaiah Oliver in the first round

Thomas Dimitroff suggested a few weeks ago the team wasn’t locked in on any one position in the NFL draft, suggesting they would not reach to fill the giant need at defensive tackle. We have all rightly ignored such nonsense, but the Falcoholic has pointed out the team’s interest in one of the draft’s top corners for awhile.

Did you even think about our well-sourced report? No, you only think about yourself.

While it is very, very, very important to remember teams flood the news with false info right before the draft every year, the latest rumor makes so much sense looking at this guy’s scouting report.

Who is Isaiah Oliver?

As I mentioned, Dan Quinn and Co. were sniffing around Oliver way back in mid-March.

That’s why it’s interesting, as a source recently told The Falcoholic, that the Falcons worked out two Colorado defensive backs on Tuesday who have the length and athleticism they prize. That would be cornerback Isaiah Oliver, an expected first or second round pick, and safety Afolabi Laguda, an expected late round selection.

Here is what Dave Choate had to say about Oliver last month.

He has size, speed, and coverage instincts that should make him one of the first corners off the board in April, and it’s easy to understand why the Falcons would be interested in him. That said, his footwork and coverage are said to need some work, and the Falcons are probably not going to invest a first or second round pick at cornerback when the defensive line needs their urgent attention.

The Falcons clearly love sticking in nickel, which does indeed make the nickel a starting job. The Falcons are able to do two things if they take Oliver: improve the pass defense by bumping down occasional liability (and occasional play maker) Brian Poole down to dime, and start with Desmond Trufant, Robert Alford, and new rookie Oliver. The team will need to consider getting younger in the next few years, and Oliver may push out either veteran by year three or four of his rookie contract

Scouts love Oliver’s 6-foot, 201-pound frame, with freakist 33.5-inch arms and a 4.5 40 time. His measurables look like he was hand-built by Dan Quinn. Like if Flowery Branch had a bunch of scientists that could make the most fast and physical players. With other prevalent rumors suggesting the Falcons will trade up for Da’Ron Payne, it’s possible the team decides to stick at 26 and take the best player available on their board.