Atlanta Falcons fortify defense in 7-round 2020 mock draft
By Lucas Schuh
As mentioned, safety should be addressed in the 2020 NFL Draft. Keanu Neal is a top-end strong safety when healthy but has struggled to avoid injury over the past two years. Furthermore, Kazee and Allen aren’t the players Atlanta wants manning the back-end of the defense.
For me, Ashtyn Davis out of Cal is a late-Round 1/mid-Round 2 prospect based on his tools and film. Lucky for the Falcons, however, it’s realistic that he’s available for them in the third round. Davis has track star speed and can deliver plenty of pop when he hits. He also has the ability to flip his hips and show explosiveness in the open field. His athleticism allows Davis to succeed as a deep safety or coming up and playing in the slot.
Davis will never be a tone-setting box safety due to his lack of size. But with Neal, that’s perfectly fine for the Falcons. Instead, Davis can fit into a coverage role and help this secondary start to look more complete.
Other Players Available: Logan Wilson, Josh Uche, Akeem Davis-Gaither
While adding Dante Fowler Jr. should help the Falcons defensive line, he’s been an inconsistent player throughout his young career. With Allen Bailey and Takkarist McKinley as the other options on the edge, they need some more depth and, frankly, a brighter future on the edge.
Alex Highsmith isn’t someone who’s going to be a high-impact player as a rookie. However, with a year to adjust to the NFL came, he could be a big-time pass-rushing threat for the Falcons. The Charlotte product was a late bloomer in high school which led to him taking some time to develop in college as well. Even still, he’s progressed every year he’s been on the field, showcasing great natural athleticism and bend coming off the edge.
Again, don’t expect the Charlotte product to be an immediate starter or anything close, especially as he lacks any real power moves right now. But with NFL strength training and practicing, he’ll be heard from sooner rather than later.