Atlanta Falcons 2015 Seven-Round Mock Draft
Dec 27, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive end Randy Gregory (4) looks on before the game against the USC Trojans in the 2014 Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
It’s hardly a shock that the Falcons would go for a pass-rusher with their first-round pick. The defensive unit registered just 22 sacks in 2014–tied for 30th in the NFL.
Gregory is an excellent edge rusher and plays with power and speed. He finished his two years in Nebraska with 120 combined tackles (25.5 for a loss) and 17.5 sacks.
ESPN's Mel Kiper said Randy Gregory could be spectacular in this league. #Falcons may be picking between Mizzou's Shane Ray and Gregory.
— D. Orlando Ledbetter (@DOrlandoAJC) February 26, 2015
He has great size (6’5″, 235 pounds) and shows a lot of toughness. While strongest at rushing the passer, Gregory also has the ability to contribute in stopping the run.
Charlie Campbell of Walter Football believes Gregory would be a great fit in Atlanta.
"“Atlanta would be a great landing spot for Gregory. The Falcons have to improve their pass rush, and Gregory could be perfect for that. Like the Jaguars, Gregory could play the LEO linebacker – though in Dan Quinn’s defense.”"
The Falcons are positioned nicely with the eighth-overall pick to take one of the premier pass-rushers of the draft. Within the teams picking ahead of them, many are likely to focus on offense.
Tampa Bay need a quarterback, as do the New York Jets. Oakland may opt to add a top-tier receiver. If this indeed is the case on draft day, there is more than enough reason to believe Gregory could fall to the Falcons. He could be a key part of the defensive rebuild in Atlanta.
Next: The focus stays with the defense...