Arik Armstead projected to Atlanta Falcons in ESPN Mock Draft

The Atlanta Falcons need to improve their pass rush, and that is no secret. New head coach Dan Quinn has been tasked with overhauling the defense, in addition to simply improving the team’s overall performance, and in that vein, the Falcons are blessed with a top-10 pick in the upcoming 2015 NFL Draft.

In the most recent mock draft from ESPN’s Todd McShay ($), the Falcons are projected to select Oregon defensive end Arik Armstead with the 8th overall pick. Here is a snippet of what McShay had to say about Armstead and the choice:

"Armstead was a 5-technique defensive end at Oregon and could play a similar role in the NFL, but he’s also explosive enough to be a great fit as a left defensive end in new Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn’s scheme — similar to the role that Michael Bennett played for Quinn with the Seahawks. I’ve really liked what I’ve seen from Armstead’s tape; he’s an excellent run defender who has a lot of upside as a pass-rusher because of his violent hands and ability to convert speed to power."

Arik Armstead produced just 2.5 sacks during his junior (and final) season at Oregon, but he is an athletic marvel. At 6-foot-7 and 285 pounds, he is ideal size for an NFL defensive end, and the Falcons have been incredibly weak at that position in the recent past.

There will surely be discussion as to the direction of the Atlanta Falcons with this particular pick. Pass-rusher would seem to be an ideal choice, even if in the person of Florida’s Dante Fowler or another player, but with several holes in the defensive group, anything on that side of the ball would make a great deal of sense.

Arming Dan Quinn and his crew with a high-end prospect would be a nice start, and Arik Armstead fits the bill from a pedigree standpoint.