Happy NFL Draft Weekend everybody! I’ve been waiting for this day since the shellacking the Carolina Panthers put on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 at the Dome. I knew that a 6-10 record should have the Falcons picking somewhere in the top ten. With a new coaching staff bringing fresh air to Flowery Branch, this is the most excited I’ve been about an NFL since 2008.
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What I would give to have a seat in the Falcons War Room. I have a good feeling about three draft prospects in particular. Here are the three players I want the Atlanta Falcons to draft this weekend.
Nov 15, 2014; Atlanta, GA, USA; Clemson Tigers defensive end Vic Beasley (3) after a game against the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets in the fourth quarter at Bobby Dodd Stadium. Georgia Tech defeated Clemson 28-6. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
OLB Vic Beasley, Clemson (1st Round)
This should come as no surprise. Clemson’s two-time consensus All-American pass rusher grades out as a top ten draft prospect. A native of Adairsville, GA, Beasley is a lifelong Falcons fan. He anchored the defense for a Tigers team that has won at least 10 games each of the last four seasons under HC Dabo Swinney.
Beasley projects as a speed-first pass rusher who can drop back into coverage. Ideally, he would fit best in a 3-4 defense but I do feel strongly that Vic’s explosiveness peaks Dan Quinn’s interest regardless of the nuances of his scheme. All he seems to care about is how fast can a guy play. While Beasley may never have the power associated with a typical NFL pass rusher, I think his versatility and high character mesh well with what the Falcons want. If he’s available at 8, expect Atlanta to make Vic Beasley a Falcon.
Nov 29, 2014; Bloomington, IN, USA; Indiana Hoosiers running back Tevin Coleman (6) runs the ball during the third quarter against the Purdue Boilermakers at Memorial Stadium. Indiana defeated Purdue 23-16. Mandatory Credit: Pat Lovell-USA TODAY Sports
RB Tevin Coleman, Indiana (2nd or 3rd Round)
I remember watching the Hoosiers upset Mizzou at Faurot Field vividly. I couldn’t help but be blown away by Indiana’s unanimous All-American tailback Tevin Coleman. When you see a player as dominant as Coleman on a team better known for its basketball program, you have to believe that he was under-recruited out of high school and plays with a with a serious chip on his shoulder. Dan Quinn wants guys to play angry on his Atlanta Falcons team. Although some scouts aren’t sure exactly how his unrelenting rushing style translates on Sundays, new OC Kyle Shanahan should want a running back like Coleman to fight for extra yards in his back field.
Nov 23, 2013; Manhattan, KS, USA; Kansas State Wildcats wide receiver Tyler Lockett (16) catches a pass for a touchdown while being defended by Oklahoma Sooners defensive back Cortez Johnson (22) during the first half at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
WR Tyler Lockett, Kansas State (4th Round)
What more can I say? I loved Tyler Lockett when he was at K-State. Atlanta should definitely look to add a wide receiver in this year’s draft. Roddy White is nearing retirement and Julio Jones is playing on an expiring deal. With Lockett’s ability to line up both in the slot and on the outside, he can add value to an already impressive Falcons passing game. At Kansas State, Lockett was also an All-American kick returner. I’d like to see Tyler make the move from the Little Apple to the Peach State as the Falcons fourth round selection.
The NFL Draft begins tonight at 8PM ET live from Chicago.