What will the Atlanta Falcons do with the 31st pick?
The NFL draft is just days away and the Atlanta hold the 31st pick in the draft, so what position will they fill or what move will they make? One thing I do know is that they could fill that spot with players such as:
Jabrill Peppers LB/S Michigan
Peppers is a gift at this point in the draft because he has a top 10 skill set, but what position will he play? Dan Quinn's defense is a perfect fit because he could use him in the box or line him up in the slot, so his versatility could be a plus for Atlanta. Did mention he returns kicks too?
Malik McDowell DT Michigan State
The Falcons need depth at the tackle position behind Grady Jarrett, Hageman and Upshaw, do this pick would make sense this late in the 1st round. McDowell has size (6'6 295), agility and great range something the Falcons could use to keep their run defense at the top of the NFL list. He can also get after the quarterback which is always a plus with someone who is his size. Only concern is his run-ins off the field which could drop him down a bit on everybody's boards.
David Njoku TE Miami
I know you are saying a tight end in the 1st round? Hear me out, Njoku is young (20 years old at the time of the draft) but he's freakish athletically, he's a nightmare for any linebacker at 6'4 with a nice size catch radius. It doesn't hurt that he ran track which helps with his release from the line of scrimmage. He will need to bulk up a bit at 215, because he will have to block a bit more at the next level and shed tackles. Matt Ryan could use another weapon up the seams after possibly losing one of his favorite targets in Jacob Tamme.
Dan Feeney G Indiana
Atlanta could add depth here as well after the retirement of Chris Chester, they could plug Feeney right in. He's a mauler up front in the run game, only question would be his pass protection, he struggled at times but could easily work on it at the next level. The Falcons running scheme fits well with his size and blocking ability, so he is definitely one to watch out for if Forrest Lamp is gone.
Atlanta could trade down to:
Atlanta is in a good spot believe it or not to trade back a bit to acquire more picks. Cleveland, Chicago and San Francisco could probably be still looking for a QB if one is still available at the bottom of the first. The falcons could gain 2 picks this year and second rounder next season, so it's something to think about.
Atlanta could trade up if:
The Falcons GM Thomas Dimitroff has been known for pulling the trigger if it's somebody he really has his eyes on. I think if Derek Barnett, Forrest Lamp or Charles Harris is there in the top of the 20's you could see them take a chance on trade there. Atlanta would only lose a third round pick at this point in the first round if they decided to make a move. This wouldn't surprise me at all if they made a move.
Falcons fans do you think they should do with the 31st selection in the first round? Comment on my page Smitty's Sports Machine under this post! I would love your feed back Atlanta!
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