Atlanta Falcons 2015 Seven-Round Mock Draft
Nov 22, 2014; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; Arizona Wildcats offensive lineman Mickey Baucus (68) blocks Utah Utes defensive end Nate Orchard (8) during the second half at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Arizona won 42-10. Mandatory Credit: Russ Isabella-USA TODAY Sports
Here comes another pass-rusher. Utah defensive end Nate Orchard has the ability to become one of the NFL’s premier edge rushers.
Jan 21, 2015; Mobile, AL, USA; North squad tight end Nick Boyle of Delaware (86) battles defensive end Nate Orchard of Utah (99) during Senior Bowl North squad practice at Ladd-Peebles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports
Orchard (6’3″, 250 pounds) had a dominant season for Utah in 2014. He finished with 84 total tackles (21 for a loss) and 18.5 sacks. He also defended three passes and forced three fumbles.
It may seem like a bold move selecting two edge rushers in the opening three rounds, but considering how much the Falcons’ pass defense struggled in 2014, it makes sense to be aggressive in the draft and pick up talented players who have the ability to find the quarterback.
Catching up on Senior bowl stud Nate Orchard from Utah... Not sure who has a more explosive first step between him and Shane Ray
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) January 25, 2015
Orchard isn’t as strong defending the run; this is an area he will need to develop in the NFL. As far as the draft goes, it could benefit the Falcons as it could cause him to drop into the third-round.
If the first three selections in this mock draft for the Falcons were to come true, it’s fair to say their pass-rush would transform from a weakness into a strength in 2015.
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