NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft: Atlanta Falcons Final 7-Round Mock Draft

By Nafisa H

Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Chester (65) and offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; Atlanta Falcons offensive guard Chris Chester (65) and offensive tackle Jake Matthews (70) against the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 9, 2017; Tampa, FL, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide defensive lineman Dalvin Tomlinson (54) in the 2017 College Football Playoff National Championship Game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, Pick 136: Dalvin Tomlinson, DT – Alabama

As I mentioned earlier, the Atlanta Falcons’ running game needs to improve in order for their offense to succeed. The team’s defense also needs improvement in stopping the run. In the 2016 season, it allowed opposing teams to gain an average of 4.5 yards per carry and consequently finished ranked 18th overall. While the Falcons rank in the middle of the pack, which isn’t horrible, there’s plenty of room for them to rise up.

The Falcons began their climb by making their best offseason move added a huge piece of the puzzle, defensive tackle Dontari Poe, to Grady Jarrett, Jack Crawford, Ra’Shede Hageman, and Vic Beasley. Dalvin Tomlinson could be the final piece the defensive line needs.

In his final year at Alabama, he posted an impressive 62 tackles (5.5 for loss) and three sacks. If he’s selected by the Falcons at No. 136 and can transfer that momentum to Atlanta, he could help them become one of the best run defenders on the roster.

Tomlinson isn’t quick off the line, but can make a big impact from the interior with his tremendous strength and physicality. We’ve seen several phenomenal NFL players come out of Tuscaloosa. Tomlinson has the potential to become another one from the Tide and can be the final piece of the puzzle the Falcons need to keep rolling.

Home/Atlanta Falcons