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2019 NFL Mock Draft: Post-Super Bowl 53 edition

By Randy Gurzi

TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
TUSCALOOSA, AL - NOVEMBER 04: Quinnen Williams #92 of the Alabama Crimson Tide reacts after a sack against the LSU Tigers at Bryant-Denny Stadium on November 4, 2017 in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – SEPTEMBER 08: Rashan Gary #3 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts to a sack against the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium on September 8, 2018 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

14. Atlanta Falcons: Rashan Gary, DT, Michigan

There are so many pieces on the Atlanta Falcons roster to love. Quarterback Matt Ryan can make all the throws and they have a trio of receivers that can hurt opponents in Julio Jones, Mohamed Sanu, and Calvin Ridley. There’s even Austin Hooper at tight end, who made the Pro Bowl this season.

Defensively they also have some key pieces like linebacker Deion Jones, safety Keanu Neal, and defensive linemen Takkarist McKinley and Grady Jarrett — although Jarrett is about to hit free agency. While all that’s true, there are a couple of spots they can address to get themselves back into contention in the NFC South — defensive tackle and guard.

While guard is an option, this may be too early to make a move. Atlanta could still find help at that spot later in the draft, so they decide instead to focus on D-tackle. Even if they re-sign Jarrett, Atlanta can use some help next to him and that leads to them landing Rashan Gary from Michigan.

Gary is one of those agile defensive linemen that can crest matchup nightmares along the interior. Atlanta could go from a decent defense to a dominant one with his addition — again, provided that they keep Jarrett in town as well.

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