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Whew. What a weekend. Sports finally returned in a distinctly unfamiliar fashion with the 2020 NFL Draft, but with all of the expectation that it would be bizarre and riddled with technical glitches, it actually turned out to be a great event! Watching players at home with their families and peering into the lives of the coaches and general managers added an intimate edge to the draft, and it’s worth considering incorporating some of these features in the future.
Dive in to Monday’s Falcoholinks with all the draft content you may have missed.
2020 NFL Draft recap
All of the rumors swirling about the Falcons 2020 NFL Draft aims of trading up in the first round did not culminate in a move, and Atlanta held fast at No. 16 to select Clemson cornerback A.J. Terrell, a player that they reportedly coveted throughout the entire scouting process. Terrell, an Atlanta native, as excited about returning home — and analysts feel he will be a solid fit in the Falcons’ defensive scheme.
On the draft’s second day the Falcons went out and snagged Auburn defensive tackle Marlon Davidson, an explosive lineman who brings some extra swagger to the unit as well. He’s confident, to say the least.
In the third round the Falcons selected Alex Mack’s heir apparent in center Matt Hennessy. While Hennessy will not be the starter at center in 2020, he could factor into the competition for left guard.
Day 3 saw the Falcons continue to bolster the defense with the additions of Fresno State linebacker Mykal Walker and Cal safety Jaylinn Hawkins. Walker has the ability to play all three linebacker spots, and that versatility is likely why he landed in Atlanta. They closed out the draft by taking punter and awesome name-haver Sterling Hofrichter in the seventh round.
The Falcons opted for substance over style, and addressed numerous immediate needs without surrendering draft capital.
A closer look at Marlon Davidson
The Falcons snagged Auburn defensive tackle Marlon Davidson with the 47th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, and he immediately figures to slot in alongside Grady Jarrett on the defensive line. So what will he bring to Atlanta’s defense? Our Eric Robinson took a closer look with his latest scouting report on the big defender.
Winners and losers
Taking the temperature of the fanbase, and it seems like most think that the Falcons had a fairly solid draft — especially with their selections on day 2. We hear all the time about the winners and losers from the NFL Draft, but what about the winners and losers on the current roster?
Jerseys
The newest batch of Falcons already know what numbers they will wear in Atlanta.
UDFA tracker
The closing of the 2020 NFL Draft was not the end for the Atlanta Falcons, as they immediately went to work signing undrafted free agents. We’ve been keeping a tally of all of the signings they’ve made after the draft, and you can view it right here.