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2016 NFL Mock Draft: Atlanta Falcons Steal DT Sheldon Rankins

By Dan Schmelzer

Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 28, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Louisville Cardinals defensive lineman Sheldon Rankins participates in workout drills during the 2016 NFL Scouting Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the 17th overall pick in a recent 2016 NFL Mock Draft, the Atlanta Falcons snag defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins. An incredibly talented defensive tackle, Rankins would be an absolute steal for the Falcons at 17.

The Atlanta Falcons are expected to be in the market for an outside pass rusher to pair with Vic Beasley in the first round of the draft. Nearly every 2016 NFL Mock Draft available has the Falcons landing a defensive end who can come in and improve their league-worst pass rush.

Related Story: 2016 NFL Mock Draft: Three Complete Rounds

Having a successful pass rush is obviously important, but it is also important to keep draft value in mind. Landing an impact outside pass rusher would be huge for the Falcons’ defense, but they would not be helping themselves if they were reaching for need. Taking the best player available is almost always the best bet in the draft, especially in the first round.

In his first 2016 NFL Mock Draft, Don Banks of Sports Illustrated had the Falcons taking Lousiville defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins with the 17th overall selection. Rankins is an incredibly talented player who had slipped a bit in this mock and was the best player on the board for the Falcons.

The Falcons did not add that valued outside pass rusher, but Rankins would undoubtedly improve their pass rush by his ability to attack the quarterback from the interior. It is safe to say that I love the fit of Rankins in Atlanta, but before I get too deep into the selection, let’s take a look at what Banks had to say.

"Rankins adds quickness to a Falcons defensive front that got pushed around too much in 2015, surrendering an NFL-worst 20 rushing touchdowns. He’s a nice fit for the 4–3 formation that Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn uses, and he’s got the skill set to create backfield penetration and help out an anemic pass rush that registered a league-low 19 sacks last season. The Falcons will feel fortunate if he’s there for them at No. 17."

In a draft class loaded with talent at the defensive tackle position, Rankins is the best of the bunch. He shows a deadly combination of power and athleticism that makes him an absolute force both against the run and in the pass rush from the interior.

Rankins shows great explosion off of the snap that allows him to get an immediate advantage over his opponent, and when his natural skill-set takes over, Rankins is nearly unblockable on the inside. He was absolute dominant in the Senior Bowl, completely man-handling some of the best offensive linemen in this draft class.

Rankins’ natural skills are incredibly impressive, but he is also a smart player who can set up his opponents with creative pass rush moves. Rankins features an impressive array of spin, rip and swim moves to both sides that allows him to get quick and productive pressure on the quarterback.

More nfl spin zone: 2016 NFL Draft: Dream Scenarios For Each NFL Team

An extremely talented player who is just dripping in upside, landing Rankins at 17 could prove to be the biggest steal of the first round in the 2016 NFL Draft. Not only is an incredible talent, Rankins’ aggressive style of play makes him a perfect fit to be a three-technique defensive tackle in Dan Quinn’s system. An absolutely fantastic selection by the Falcons here.

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