Atlanta Falcons 7-round mock draft keeps offense lethal, upgrades defense
By Lucas Schuh
Jermar Jefferson. 5. 832. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Running Back. player. Oregon State
The Falcons running back room has gone through quite a change in recent years, most recently with the Todd Gurley experiment not panning out. Given Arthur Smith’s background, he’ll likely want to fix that. Ideally, he’ll do that with a late-round pick given the value of the position and how dependent their success is upon the offensive line.
That’s where Jermar Jefferson could come in. A solid prospect, he’s not the most gifted back athletically but he makes up for that with his skill and IQ. He has good vision and great instincts that allow him to find seams and break into them. His feel for the position and making plays would be much more valuable than taking a player like Travis Etienne or Najee Harris early in the draft.
Other Players Considered: Jonathan Cooper, Victor Dimukeje, Patrick Johnson
5. player. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. Edge. Tulane. Patrick Johnson. 2115
Even adding Payton Turner won’t solve all of the pass-rushing woes for Atlanta. The depth chart is made up largely of veterans who have been spotty at best throughout their careers as pass-rushers. Subsequently, adding a player such as Patrick Johnson in the fifth round would behoove the Falcons.
The Tulane product has some of the best hands in the entire draft class, deploying them quickly and effectively. He’s also strong with his bull rush and is well-versed in utilizing that to his gain. Johnson may not be a top-tier edge rusher as soon as he comes into the NFL but he can be a pass-rushing asset with potential to develop into something more, which is exactly the type of player Atlanta needs on the roster.
Other Players Considered: Jonathan Cooper, Victor Dimukeje, Rachad Wildgoose