Atlanta Falcons: Draft Pick and Free Agent signings

As the Atlanta Falcons have signed two of their six draft picks, what kind of impact can the class provide along with the crop of undrafted free agents?

The Atlanta Falcons have just announced the signings of two members of the 2017 draft class. Fourth round guard Sean Harlow and fifth round safety Damontee Kazee are the first two draftees to sign with Atlanta. Hopefully, the Falcons can sign all members in short order, but these things take time. As rookie minicamp is set to begin on the 12th, it looks like all the details are secondary,  (as they should be), to introducing these rookies to the NFL. All in all, this class has high expectations to succeed early, which is very similar to last years’ crop.

In any case, as the Falcons work towards these draft pick signings, the importance of undrafted free agents comes into play. Honestly, almost all undrafted free agents end up off the roster or practice squad. However, if the Atlanta Falcons can find a “diamond in the rough” like Brian Poole, it will make the team that much better.

Here are some guys who I think could potentially have a shot to play a Brian Poole like role for the Falcons next year.

Darius English: Linebacker, South Carolina.

I know what you’re thinking. It’s going to be very tough for English to crack a Falcons roster loaded with linebacker talent. However, he has the skillset to do it. English accumulated nine sacks and 13 tackles for loss his senior season, so he is no doubt a playmaker. If a need opens up this season, I’d bet he could be the one to fill it.

Travis Averill, Center, Boise State.

Averill can possibly provide depth at a spot filled by pro bowler Alex Mack. After a highly decorated career in the Mountain West, there’s a chance Averill could also compete for the open guard spot vacated by Chris Chester. Of the undrafted crop of lineman, Averill might have the best chance to stick due to his success with the powerful Boise State offense.

Tyler Renow, Fullback, The Citadel.

Renow is a guy who strikes me as someone with all-purpose potential. He tallied 2,948 all-purpose yards in college with nine 100 yard rushing efforts. If the blocking and pass catching is fine-tuned, there is a chance he could be the poor man’s Patrick Dimarco.

Josh Magee, Wide Receiver, South Alabama.

As we all know, Magee plays a position where the Atlanta Falcons have quite a lot of depth. Magee lead South Alabama in receiving, yards, and touchdowns in 2016. He is also an excellent athlete as he played three seasons in minor league baseball after being drafted in 2010. His versatility could come in handy if once again a need opens up.

All in all, great prospects are like are like finding needles in a haystack. Some will impress and many will disappoint. Only time will tell how the first year class plays out. With four draft picks still unsigned, the Atlanta Falcons would like to move quickly. As minicamp starts the 12th, it will be interesting to see who stands out.

Of Note: First round pick Takkarist Mckinley will not participate in minicamp as he is recovering from major shoulder surgery.