What a Potential 2018 Atlanta Falcons Draft Could Look Like
Other Notable Picks:
DT Trent Thompson UGA
(3rd Rd, draft 3) (4th Rd draft 4)
Thompson was one of, if not the top defensive linemen in the country coming out of Westover High School. Interestingly enough since he is from my hometown of Albany, GA. He could benefit from 1 more year of college in my opinion, but he possesses the potential to be an outstanding, disruptive NFL player. He’s a long, lean, athletic DT at 6’4 295 lbs.
TE/FB/RB/WR Jaylen Samuels NC State
(4th rd, draft simulations 1&3, 3rd round draft #4)
Jaylen Samuels is one of my favorite players in this entire draft. Samuels, the 5’11, 225 lbs swiss army knife, lines up all over the field. He has good speed for his size, as proved by his 4.54 40 yard dash time. He offers a team the ability to shift freely from 12, to 21, to 11 personnel.
He must be respected as a receiver wherever he lines up. He’s dangerous from the FB spot on play action passes. He can drive the ball as a short yardage back. He’s also very good in pass protection. Some people see a tweener, but when I watch him, I see a versatile weapon, who is a good all-around football player. Is Atlanta Falcons OC Steve Sarkisian innovative enough to utilize him properly?
LB Shaquem Griffin Central Florida
(4th round Mock Draft #2)
Shaquem Griffin has become an inspiration to people with disabilities, and all types of people who are familiar with his story. He was born with a condition that caused his hand to be amputated at the age of 4. However, Griffin is far more than just an inspirational story. He’s a world-class athlete and a great football player. Shaquem, a 6’1 227 lb Linebacker, ran an astounding 4.38 in the 40-yard dash and did an incredible 20 reps on the bench press at the combine. He will immediately boost a team’s special teams unit in year 1 and could push for snaps in coverage in the nickel package.
SI’s Daniel Rappaport wrote a great story on Shaquem last month. You can find his story here.
So there are a few examples of how a potential Atlanta Falcons draft could look. I knew I picked a few UGA players, what can I say, I’m a homer. However, I only drafted capable UGA players, so I’m an objective homer. Hopefully, Thomas Dimitroff, Dan Quinn, Scott Pioli and the rest of the Atlanta Falcons brain-trust can find and fit, the missing pieces to the Super Bowl puzzle together in this draft. One thing is for sure, the fans, and the city, are ready to celebrate on Peachtree Street.
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