NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

2017 NFL Draft Grades: Atlanta Falcons Day 3 Picks

By Nafisa H

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
1 of 3
Next
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) is greeted by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) after he scored on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 11, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Atlanta Falcons outside linebacker Vic Beasley (44) is greeted by Atlanta Falcons defensive tackle Grady Jarrett (97) after he scored on a 21-yard fumble recovery in the third quarter of the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

The Atlanta Falcons made the most of Day 3 of the 2017 NFL Draft as they know all too well, it’s not how you start but how you end that matters.

Finish. Finish. Finish. The Atlanta Falcons appear to have learned not to quit while ahead. After scoring good grades on the first two days of the 2017 NFL Draft for selecting UCLA’s defensive end Takkarist McKinley and LSU’s linebacker Duke Riley, the Falcons used their remaining four picks to address needs on both sides of the ball.

By doing so, the Atlanta Falcons fulfilled their immediate needs and long term needs, giving head coach Dan Quinn the weapons he needs for a Super Bowl caliber team for multiple years. It will take some time for the veterans and rookies to develop chemistry and good rapport, and even for some players (such as McKinley) to recover from injury, but the Falcons have a good and stable foundation. And they also have the opportunity to continue building upon their success in the unofficial eighth round: undrafted free agency.

Let’s take a look at how well Day 3 of the Draft went for the team.

Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 2, 2017; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow speaks to the media during the 2017 combine at Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports /

Round 4, No. 135: Sean Harlow, OL – Oregon State

The Atlanta Falcons offense had one of its best seasons in 2016, but couldn’t establish equilibrium between its passing and rushing attacks. Running backs Tevin Coleman and Devonta Freeman were forced to settle for minimal gains and at times, simply stuffed at the line. The team finished the season tied at fifth place in the league with 62 negative rushing plays.

More from Atlanta Falcons

Things got worse before they got better for the Falcons offense. When Chris Chester retired and free agent Patrick DiMarco signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason, the Atlanta Falcons were left with gaping holes in their offensive line. Therefore, the team kicked off their Day 3 draft picks by selecting Oregon State offensive lineman Sean Harlow in the fourth round (No. 135 overall pick).

Although the Falcons have a pressing need at guard specifically, and Harlow doesn’t have a lot of experience at the position, he’s demonstrated real skill in run blocking. Furthermore, his ability to play tackle and center affords the Falcons the versatility they need.

Listed at 303 pounds, Harlow is undersized but is powerful, explosive, and has a great amount of upper body strength. He’ll have to work on his technique and probably won’t beat Wes Schweitzer, Ben Garland, and Hugh Thornton for the starting guard position, but gives the Falcons options this season as well as in the future as he improves his technique. And considering that the team hasn’t exactly gotten everything it wants out of its offensive line, options are good.

Grade: B

Home/Atlanta Falcons