2018 NFL Draft: Falcons trade up and select WR Russell Gage in the 6th round

We knew Thomas Dimitroff couldn’t contain himself forever. Day 3 of the 2018 NFL Draft is well underway, and the Falcons have traded up to make their selection in the 6th round. Atlanta selected WR Russell Gage from LSU with the 194th pick, who helps bolster the WR corps and special teams units. The Falcons traded both 7th round picks—244 and 256—in order to complete the trade.

The 6’0, 184 lb Gage was a special teams ace for LSU over the past few seasons. He’s a converted DB, and has played WR for only two seasons. Gage is an effective returner and a dangerous gunner on punt and kick coverage. He should help improve what was a pretty lackluster special teams unit in 2017. With Bethel and Gage as the Falcons’ new gunners, don’t be shocked if we see a big improvement there in 2018.

Here’s what NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein had to say about Russell Gage in his Combine Profile:

While Gage may lack the elite size or production of a draftable wide receiver, he does possess the athletic ability and competitive nature to be considered as a diamond in the rough on Day 3. Gage has the speed, toughness, and instincts on both punt and kick coverage to create some buzz in the buildings from special teams coaches during the run-up process to the draft. Gage’s special teams talent could land him on the roster, but he has some raw natural ability as a slot receiver that may bear fruit at some point.

Also, for those who like spider graphs (who doesn’t?), here are Gage’s numbers from his Pro Day:

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