Four WRs the Atlanta Falcons Should Target
By John Buhler
With Roddy White’s illustrious Falcons career entering its twilight and Julio Jones possibly becoming a free agent at the end of the year, look for the Atlanta Falcons to address the wide receiver position in this year’s NFL Draft. This could happen anywhere on day two or three for the Falcons. Thursday night’s pick is for getting Dan Quinn a pass rusher. No Jamaal Anderson’s please! Here’s four wideouts I believe the Falcons should target.
Nov 1, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Southern California Trojans receiver Nelson Agholor (15) heads up field in the second quarter against the Washington State Cougars at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nelson Agholor, USC (2nd Round Projection)
Atlanta could draft the USC Trojan to compete with Leonard Hankerson in the slot. Nelson Agholor is good route runner and can improvise in space, a crucial skill for guys playing between the hash marks. While he doesn’t have the breakaway speed of Julio Jones (who does really?), Agholor has the quickness to outrun linebackers dropping into coverage. His biggest concern is can he be physical enough to handle the job requirements of slot receiver.
Jamison Crowder, Duke (4th/5th Round Projection)
Nov 1, 2014; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Duke Blue Devils wide receiver Jamison Crowder (3) runs after a pass reception against the Pittsburgh Panthers during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Blue Devils won 51-48 in double overtime. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
This Duke Blue Devil would be a nice fourth or fifth round pick for the Falcons. Though undersized at 5’8”, he played with a lot of passion for David Cutcliffe in Durham. His versatility of playing both inside and out, along with experience in the return game will have somebody drafting Jamison Crowder this weekend. Could Crowder be another Dimitroff gem?
Tyler Lockett, Kansas State (3rd/4th Round Projection)
Tyler Lockett can absolutely fly (4.40 40-yd dash). At K-State, Lockett was a premier vertical threat for Bill Snyder’s Wildcats. He also boasts a very impressive return game. I’ve admired this guy from afar and even if GMs question his slight build (5’10”, 182 lbs.), I see no reason the Falcons would pass on him with their fourth round pick. Lockett has the potential to become the next Devin Hester.
DeAndre Smelter, Georgia Tech (6th/7th Round Projection)
Aug 30, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets wide receiver DeAndre Smelter (15) carries the ball against the Wofford Terriers during the second quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Liles-USA TODAY Sports
In one of the late round picks, I could totally see the Atlanta Falcons taking a chance on the local product out of Georgia Tech. A season-ending ACL tear has many GMs iffy on drafting Smelter, afraid that it could affect his already limited foot speed. What I like about DeAndre is that he plays a very physical style of receiver that can factor in run blocking for new OC Kyle Shanahan. Smelter might find himself on the Falcons practice squad initially to get a better grasp on route running, as GA Tech features the triple option under Paul Johnson. Though clearly a work in progress, Falcons WR Coach Terry Robiskie is one of the best in the business at explaining complex route trees.
If you want to see any prospect’s scouting report you can find it here at NFL.com. The NFL Draft commences Thursday night at 8PM ET live from Chicago.