- Joined
- May 8, 2002
- Posts
- 397,016
- Reaction score
- 43
The NFL loves using quarterbacks and skill position players to market the game, but most games are won and lost in the trenches. Aside from Hall of Fame-level players, like Aaron Donald and Jason Kelce, linemen rarely get the credit they deserve.
The Atlanta Falcons have lost two starting linemen since the start of free agency. The team released veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett after 10 NFL seasons. On offense, the Falcons lost center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears. Jarrett also ended up signing with the Bears just hours after his release.
These two departures won't be easy to replace. While the team has signed free agent Morgan Fox on defense, Atlanta hasn't done much to replace Dalman. A new mock draft from NFL.com has the Falcons adding more defensive help in Round 1 before adding a center in Round 2.
With the 15th overall pick, Atlanta was projected to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. While the Crimson Tide Standout spent most of his college career playing off the ball, NFL.com's Chad Reuter thinks he could do a little bit of everything for the Falcons. Campbell recorded five sacks last season.
"Campbell was initially recruited to play on the edge at Alabama, but he developed an all-around game that could make the Falcons quite happy if he's available here," writes Reuter. "This SEC star should prove himself to be an apt blitzer in the NFL and he will use his speed to track down ball-carriers before they hit the sideline."
In Round 2 of Reuter's mock, Atlanta lands a replacement for Drew Dalman, taking Georgia center Jared Wilson. Wilson tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine and seems to fit the athletic profile the Falcons targeted under general manager Terry Fontenot.
Dalman and Wilson each earned elite RAS scores entering the draft and were projected mid-round prospects. Wilson's one year of starting experience may concern some, however, he was highly productive at a top-level college program and did not allow a sack last season.
While the Falcons don't have a third-round pick, in the fourth round of NFL.com's mock, they were projected to take Virginia safety Jonas Sanker (pick 118). Even after signing Jordan Fuller to start opposite Jessie Bates III, the team could use more depth at the safety position after losing backup Richie Grant.
Atlanta's best option may be to trade down and acquire more draft capital. The team has just five total picks, but Fontenot has said the Falcons are open to moving back. We'll see what happens when the 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 24.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons mock draft: Georgia prospect replaces Drew Dalman
Continue reading...
The Atlanta Falcons have lost two starting linemen since the start of free agency. The team released veteran defensive tackle Grady Jarrett after 10 NFL seasons. On offense, the Falcons lost center Drew Dalman to the Chicago Bears. Jarrett also ended up signing with the Bears just hours after his release.
These two departures won't be easy to replace. While the team has signed free agent Morgan Fox on defense, Atlanta hasn't done much to replace Dalman. A new mock draft from NFL.com has the Falcons adding more defensive help in Round 1 before adding a center in Round 2.
With the 15th overall pick, Atlanta was projected to take Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell. While the Crimson Tide Standout spent most of his college career playing off the ball, NFL.com's Chad Reuter thinks he could do a little bit of everything for the Falcons. Campbell recorded five sacks last season.
"Campbell was initially recruited to play on the edge at Alabama, but he developed an all-around game that could make the Falcons quite happy if he's available here," writes Reuter. "This SEC star should prove himself to be an apt blitzer in the NFL and he will use his speed to track down ball-carriers before they hit the sideline."
In Round 2 of Reuter's mock, Atlanta lands a replacement for Drew Dalman, taking Georgia center Jared Wilson. Wilson tested off the charts at the NFL Scouting Combine and seems to fit the athletic profile the Falcons targeted under general manager Terry Fontenot.
Dalman and Wilson each earned elite RAS scores entering the draft and were projected mid-round prospects. Wilson's one year of starting experience may concern some, however, he was highly productive at a top-level college program and did not allow a sack last season.
While the Falcons don't have a third-round pick, in the fourth round of NFL.com's mock, they were projected to take Virginia safety Jonas Sanker (pick 118). Even after signing Jordan Fuller to start opposite Jessie Bates III, the team could use more depth at the safety position after losing backup Richie Grant.
Atlanta's best option may be to trade down and acquire more draft capital. The team has just five total picks, but Fontenot has said the Falcons are open to moving back. We'll see what happens when the 2025 NFL draft kicks off on April 24.
This article originally appeared on Falcons Wire: Atlanta Falcons mock draft: Georgia prospect replaces Drew Dalman
Continue reading...
