Atlanta Falcons: 2015 NFL Draft Second Round Options

The question every team is asking themselves every time they are on the clock: should we draft what we need or the best available player?

Well, the Atlanta Falcons answered that question with their first round pick when they selected edge rusher Vic Beasley from Clemson at the eight spot, filling the void they have had on the defensive side of the ball. It’s about time.

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So who do the Falcons pick from the second round (42nd overall) and beyond?

Defense

Beasley is not the entire answer for the Falcons’ pass rush woes, but he’s a good start. The Falcons could continue the pass rush reconstruction in this draft.

Perhaps Randy Gregory out of Nebraska.

Gregory has slid completely out of the first round, due to testing positive for marijuana at the NFL Combine. He was a potential top ten pick until that news broke.

Also, Gregory may have other off-the-field issues that we may not know about, possibly and not limited to depression and anxiety, according to Barry Petchesky of Deadspin.

The 6’6″, 240 pound outside linebacker is one of the physically most gifted in the draft, which is something the Falcons need. There is no shame in pouring it on when it comes to the pass rush. Atlanta faces Drew Brees, Cam Newton, and now Jameis Winston twice a year each. Those guys can pick you apart if you can’t get to them. Ra’Shede Hageman, Beasley, and Gregory could represent a young, pass rushing core that will represent Atlanta for years to come.

If he is available at pick number 42, the Falcons should select Gregory.

If Gregory wasn’t available by then, maybe Landon Collins, safety out of Alabama would be an interesting pick. With safety William Moore returning this year after a season ending shoulder injury, adding Collins could solidify a solid center field for the Falcons.

Offense

Atlanta hasn’t really been able to move the ball on the ground since Michael Turner’s heydays. They brought in Steven Jackson during the 2013 offseason. But it did not work out due to an aging Jackson and a deteriorated offensive line.

The entire state of Georgia would have been head-over-heels if the Falcons somehow drafted running back Todd Gurley. They’ve seen him play just up the highway in Athens. But they passed on him for Beasley.

Now Gurley, along with Wisconsin standout tailback Melvin Gordon gone and off the board, what running backs are left?

Jay Ajayi, who was the feature back at the Smurf Turf of Boise State, is a 220 pound bruiser, that has excellent footwork. Atlanta could use him to complement the fun-sized Devonta Freeman, and let quarterback Matt Ryan rest his chicken wing for a down or two.

An offensive lineman that can add protection to Ryan and keep him upright would be a good pick up as well. Maybe even a tight end like the big Maxx Williams or sure-handed Nick O’Leary could help the Falcons in the future.

The key to any move on the offensive side of the ball, whether it be signing free agents or drafting college players, is taking as much burden off off Ryan’s shoulders as possible. Ryan is a great player, but he can only carry the Falcons to an extent.

The second round of the NFL Draft will begin at 7 ET tonight. Pay attention if you are a Falcons fan.

Next: 2015 NFL Draft: Top 10 Best Available Players

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